Ring-shaped nebula around SN 1987A

High resolution NTT image of SN 1987A taken from La Silla Observatory in December 1993. Seven years after the explosion of SN 1987A, the observations indicate the beginning of a more active phase while the interaction between the stellar material which was ejected during the explosion and the surrounding ring-shaped nebula has started. SN 1987A is one of the most studied objects in modern astronomy and ESO telescopes have been observing it since its first detection, in February 1987.

More information in ESO Messenger 75: http://www.eso.org/sci/publications/messenger/archive/no.75-mar94/messenger-no75.pdf

Credit:

ESO

About the Image

Id:05_sn-1987a_cc
Type:Observation
Release date:12 March 2010, 18:51
Size:3200 x 3190 px

About the Object

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

Image Formats

Large JPEG
2.0 MB
Screensize JPEG
265.3 KB

Coordinates

Position (RA):5 35 27.58
Position (Dec):-69° 16' 7.88"
Field of view:0.21 x 0.21 arcminutes
Orientation:North is 5.1° left of vertical

Colours & filters

BandWavelengthTelescope
Optical
H-alpha
656 nmNew Technology Telescope
SUSI2

Exposure time: 600s