G292.0+1.8 supernova remnant
author: NASA/CXC/Novapix
reference: a-snv11-00700
Image Size 300 DPI: 28 * 28 cm
The aftermath of the death of a massive star is shown in detail in this composite image of G292.0+1.8. In color is the Chandra X-ray Observatory image and in white is optical data from the Digitized Sky Survey.
Near the center of G292.0+1.8 is the so-called pulsar wind nebula, most easily seen in high energy X-rays. This is the magnetized bubble of high-energy particles that surrounds the "pulsar", a rapidly rotating neutron star that remained behind after the original, massive star exploded. The narrow, jet-like feature running from north to south in the image is likely parallel to the spin axis of the pulsar.
Each color represents different elements such as oxygen, neon, magnesium, and silicon. The distribution of these elements gives astronomers clues about how the star exploded.
The distance estimated of this object is about 20,000 light years.