Cassiopeia A

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Cassiopeia A

About This Image

Location: The constellation Cassiopeia
Distance from Earth: About 11,000 light-years
Image Size: 29 light-years across 
Observatory: Chandra X-ray Observatory

Cassiopeia A is one of the closest and brightest supernova remnants to Earth, created by the explosion of a massive star. The different colors represent different elements within the material released by the supernova. 

In addition, this explosion left behind:
  • a leftover core, known as a neutron star.
  • high-energy shockwaves that ripple through it. 
Credit: NASA/CXC/SAO