Astronomers Captured Detailed Views of Supernova Remnant Pa 30
New images reveal the complex internal structure of a rare zombie star remnant located 7,500 light-years away.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Space
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Researchers have used the Gemini North telescope to produce high-resolution imagery of Pa 30, the only known Type Iax supernova remnant in the Milky Way that contains a surviving zombie star. These observations clarify the physical composition of the remnant, which originated from a historical supernova event recorded in 1181.
Why it matters
Understanding the unique structure of Pa 30 provides critical insight into the collision of white dwarfs, a phenomenon that has long puzzled astrophysicists. Studying this remnant helps scientists identify similar stellar remnants throughout the galaxy.
Astronomers analyzed ionized sulfur and doubly ionized oxygen emission lines captured by the Gemini North telescope at a 4,200-meter elevation. The remnant lies 7,500 light-years from Earth and possesses a central star with a negligible transverse kick speed.
The players
Gemini North telescope
This advanced observatory is located on Mauna Kea in Hawai'i and is used to capture high-resolution imagery of deep space objects.
The Astrophysical Journal
This is a peer-reviewed scientific journal that covers recent developments in astronomy and astrophysics research.
The details
The team identified internal chains of uniform gas knots that demonstrate the complex aftermath of the 1181 supernova event. The findings suggest the remnant was formed by a violent collision between two white dwarfs.
Timeline
1181: A historical supernova was witnessed and recorded.
2013: Citizen scientists first identified the remnant Pa 30.
2026: Detailed findings were published in The Astrophysical Journal.
The Big Picture
This discovery validates and expands upon the historical supernova of 1181, which was one of only five such events recorded before the telescope era. It shifts the scientific paradigm by providing a clear visual record of a zombie star surviving a Type Iax supernova event.
While this discovery is primarily academic, it enhances our understanding of stellar death and the origins of matter in the universe. Such findings are essential for refining models used to map the history of our galaxy.
The takeaway
The observation of Pa 30 highlights the importance of combining historical records with modern deep-space imaging technology. This success demonstrates how citizen science and advanced telescopes can work together to uncover rare phenomena in the night sky.
What happens next
Astronomers plan to utilize the properties established by these Pa 30 observations to conduct a wider search for similar stellar remnants across the Milky Way.
Further reading
For more on recent developments in our galaxy, visit the Space section.
More information
Read the full NOIRLab official project news release regarding the imaging project.
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