Chandra Release - April 17, 2013

Visual Description: SN1006

SN1006 is a supernova remnant, which is captured in a richly detailed Chandra X-ray Observatory image. The image depicts a large, spherical object that takes up most of the space of the image with a black background behind it in the corners. The colors of the object are predominantly muted dark red in the central region, with some soft blue-purple hues around the upper and lower rims. The texture is mottled throughout the remnant with a scant smattering of bright dots. This Chandra image of a supernova remnant shows X-rays produced by high-energy particles (blue) and multimillion degree gas (red). In 1006 AD, what was thought to be a "new star" suddenly appeared in the sky and over the course of a few days became brighter than the planet Venus. The supernova of 1006, or SN 1006, may have been the brightest supernova on record.