Free Astronomy Magazine May-June 2023

MAY-JUNE 2023 tures are thought to be the glowing remains of a supernova that was witnessed by Chinese astronomers in the year 185 C.E. When it ap- peared, this baffling addition to the night sky was referred to as a ‘guest star’ by ancient astronomers. It re- mained visible to the naked eye for about eight months before fading from view. This historical supernova, which astronomers now refer to as SN 185, occurred more than 8000 D raped around the outer edges of this star-filled image are wispy tendrils that appear to be flying away from a central point, like the tattered remains of a burst balloon. These cloud-like fea- A rare view of the entirety of the SN 185 remnant by NOIRLab − Charles Blue