# Supernova Remnant Pa 30

> A 1181 supernova remnant observed 845 years later reveals a mysterious Type Iax explosion.
- Title: Supernova Remnant Pa 30 · NASA Science | Shortify
- Summary: A 1181 supernova remnant observed 845 years later reveals a mysterious Type Iax explosion. Astronomers studied a 1181 supernova remnant to understand a rare…
- Keywords: supernova remnant, pa 30, type iax supernova, white dwarf merger, gemini north telescope, 1181 supernova, 845-year-old mystery, science, Supernova, Remnant, NASA Science
- Source: NASA Science — https://science.nasa.gov/image-article/apod-2026-october-7-supernova-remnant-pa-30
- Published: 2026-10-07T04:05:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: supernova remnant, pa 30, type iax supernova, white dwarf merger, gemini north telescope, 1181 supernova, 845-year-old mystery, science
## Supernova Remnant Pa 30
This image shows Nebula Pa 30 observed with the Gemini North Telescope in Hawai'i.

> Happy New Year! No, wait, this is not a fireworks display.
## Historical Record
Chinese, Japanese and Arabic astronomers recorded a 'guest star' that appeared for 185 days in 1181.

> separate historical records by Chinese, Japanese and Arabic astronomers tell of a 'guest star' that appeared in the sky for 185 days in the year 1181.
## Type Iax Supernova
This explosion is classified as a Type Iax supernova, likely caused by two white dwarfs merging.

> it is thought to be caused by the merger of two white dwarfs.
## Central Star
The central star is extremely hot and produces a strong wind forming radial filaments.

> the mysterious central star in the image is extremely hot and produces a strong wind, possibly forming the radial filaments.
## Pearl-like Knots
Pearl-like knots stringing the filaments are 4 light-days in diameter.

> those pearl-like knots stringing the filaments are 4 light-days in diameter.
## 845-Year-Old Mystery
Understanding how this supernova created the nebula continues an 845-year-old mystery.

> understanding how a supernova created this amazing nebula continues an 845-year old mystery (and counting).
## Key takeaway

Astronomers studied a 1181 supernova remnant to understand a rare Type Iax explosion caused by white dwarf merger.