APOD 2.2 Historical Supernove Remnant



RCW 86: Historical Supernova Remnant



What's 8,200 light-years away, 50 light-years across, and the remnant of a star newly noted in 185 AD? RCW 86 of course. What's intriguing is that its vastness seems nothing compared to the distances with which it is related (from our galaxy etc.). In addition to that this is only the remnant of the original star. Granted it is expanding both as a supernova shock wave and as interstellar dust, but even then it is incredible to consider that it is so old and still so large. Generally I think of things becoming smaller, less important with age. But here the older the remnant gets the more it expands, becoming both larger and more interesting to study. It's almost as if it is more interesting after its 'death' than while it existed as an actual star. Both hold importance of what must be at least equal amounts, and we will not know which holds more value study-wise until many, many years from now when the remnant begins to disappear.