Gemini North reveals knotted filaments in SN 1181 supernova remnant

Astronomers have captured the sharpest images yet of Pa 30, the remnant of supernova SN 1181 recorded by Chinese and Japanese observers in 1181. The Gemini North telescope in Hawaii revealed about 10 times more filamentary structures, which consist of chains of tiny gas knots rather than smooth streams. The findings were published in The Astrophysical Journal.

• Pa 30 lies 7,500 light-years away in the constellation Cassiopeia
• SN 1181 was visible for 185 days, first seen Aug. 4–6, 1181
• Gemini North revealed about 10 times more filaments than seen before
• Pa 30 is the only known Type Iax supernova with a surviving 'zombie star' at its center