Old supernova remnants are cooler and thus can emit some optical radiation, but the ratios of the strengths of one spectral line to another (like sulfur to hydrogen) are different from those seen in planetary nebulae.Aug 26, 2556 BE
How can you tell the difference between a supernova remnant and a planetary nebula?
A planetary nebula is the death marker for a low mass star. A supernova is the massive explosion that marks the destruction of a more massive star.
What is the difference between a planetary nebula and a nebula?
A: A nebula refers to clouds of dust and gas that lie between stars, in so-called interstellar space. A planetary nebula is a special type of nebula made when the outer layers of an old, giant star are thrown off into space.
Are supernova remnants visible?
There are several reasons why most supernova remnants do not contain visible pulsars. Perhaps the original pulsar was ejected because there was a recoil from an asymmetrical explosion, or the supernova formed a black hole instead of a pulsar, or the beam of the rotating pulsar does not sweep past the solar system.
What does supernova remnant look like?
These remnants are a cross between the shell-type remnants and crab-like remnants. They appear shell-like, crab-like or both, depending on what part of the electromagnetic spectrum one is observing them in. There are two kinds of composite remnants: thermal and plerionic.
What’s the difference between a planetary nebula like the Ring nebula and a supernova remnant like the Spaghetti nebula?
No, they are two entirely different things. A planetary nebula is born when a low mass star dies (low mass means less than about 8 times the mass of the Sun), while the supernova is the death of a massive star.
Do planetary nebulas explode?
When a star like our Sun dies, it doesn't explode into a supernova or collapse into a black hole. Instead, it gently sheds its outer layers, which form a beautiful cloud called a “planetary nebula”, while the dying star's core becomes a white dwarf.
How can a planetary nebula be identified?
Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian scientists study planetary nebulas in several different ways: Identifying the atoms and molecules within planetary nebulas, mostly through the infrared light they emit and absorb. Infrared light can pierce through clouds of gas and dust, which are opaque to visible light.
Why are planetary nebulae different colors?
These colors are the result of different elements within the nebula. Most nebulae are composed of about 90% hydrogen, 10% helium, and 0.1% heavy elements such as carbon, nitrogen, magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron. These clouds of matter are also quite large. In fact, they are among the largest objects in the galaxy.
Are planetary nebulae supernova remnants?
No, they are two entirely different things. A planetary nebula is born when a low mass star dies (low mass means less than about 8 times the mass of the Sun), while the supernova is the death of a massive star.