Ring-shaped nebula around SN 1987A

Enlargement of a NII image of supernova SN 1987A taken by the NTT, at La Silla Observatory, almost five years after the explosion. During this time, the supernova had displayed various interesting phenomena, never observed before in an object of this type. A ring-shaped nebula around the supernova is visible. SN 1987A is located in the South-West of the Tarantula Nebula, a huge star formation region in the Large Magellanic Cloud. This supernova is one of the most studied objects in modern astronomy and ESO telescopes have played a major role in this campaign.

More information in ESO Messenger 66, p35:

http://www.eso.org/sci/publications/messenger/archive/no.66-dec91/messenger-no66.pdf

Credit:

ESO

About the Image

Id:04_sn-1987a_cc
Type:Observation
Release date:12 March 2010, 18:51
Size:3009 x 2849 px

About the Object

Name:SN 1987A
Type:Local Universe : Star : Evolutionary Stage : Supernova
Distance:170000 light years
Category:Nebulae
Stars

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Colours & filters

BandWavelengthTelescope
Optical
H-alpha + Nii
658 nmNew Technology Telescope
IRSPEC