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Supernova remnant

Puppis A

Also SNR G260.4-03.4

Open in OuranosCompare its size

A bright supernova remnant in Puppis, seen on the sky behind the larger Vela remnant.

Measured

Distance
about 4,566 light-years (published estimates 1,957–7,175)
Size
about 80 light-years across (approximate)
Constellation
Puppis
Position (J2000)
RA 8h 24m 07s, Dec −43.00°

How far, from the Sun

About 4,570 light-years. To cross it:

  • Light4,570 years
  • Voyager 1's speed81.1 million years
  • Driving at 100 km/h49.3 billion years

Voyager 1 at the speed it moved outward over the year to 2026-10-25 (JPL Horizons). Driving: nonstop, never refuelling.

Facts

  • The neutron star it left behind is moving fast enough to be nicknamed a 'cosmic cannonball'.
  • Its distance is uncertain; the published estimate has a wide margin of error.

Where this comes from

  • Ranasinghe & Leahy 2022, ApJ 940, 63 (1.4 ± 0.8 kpc); 1.732 kpc in ApJ 988, 176 (2025)
  • This research has made use of the SIMBAD database, CDS, Strasbourg, France (Wenger et al. 2000, A&AS 143, 9).
  • This research has made use of the VizieR catalogue access tool, CDS, Strasbourg, France (DOI: 10.26093/cds/vizier).

Every catalogue Ouranos draws is credited on the credits page.