An X-ray picture of the bright supernova remnant SN1006

This false color composite picture of the bright supernova remnant SN1006 was taken with the CCD cameras aboard the Advanced Satellite for Cosmology and Astrophysics (ASCA). The supernova remnant was formed after a star in our Galaxy exploded. The expanding gas from the star is colliding into the surrounding material. This collision produced a violent shock which generates X-ray light. The bright regions in the picture shows the locations of this shock along the rim of the remnant. The energy spectrum of the bright 'caps' provides compelling evidence that cosmic-rays are produced in supernova remnants.

Credit: Dr. Eric V. Gotthelf, USRA/GSFC/NASA