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Supernova remnant

RCW 86

Also SNR G315.4-02.3 · SN 185 remnant

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The remnant of a supernova in Circinus, probably the one Chinese astronomers recorded in the year 185.

Measured

Distance
about 7,175 light-years (published estimates 5,871–8,480)
Size
about 88 light-years across (approximate)
Constellation
Circinus
Position (J2000)
RA 14h 43m 00s, Dec −62.50°

How far, from the Sun

About 7,180 light-years. To cross it:

  • Light7,180 years
  • Voyager 1's speed127 million years
  • Driving at 100 km/h77.4 billion years

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

Facts

  • If so, it is the oldest recorded supernova.
  • One published estimate puts it 2.2 ± 0.4 kiloparsecs away.

Where this comes from

  • Ranasinghe & Leahy 2022, ApJ 940, 63 (2.2 ± 0.4 kpc)
  • 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.