Astronomers Capture Stunning 1.3 Gigapixel Image of Vela Supernova Remnant

The image, taken by the Dark Energy Camera, reveals the intricate aftermath of a star's explosion 11,000 years ago.

The Dark Energy Camera (DECam) captured a 1.3 gigapixel image of the Vela supernova remnant, showcasing the remains of a star that exploded about 11,000 years ago.
The Vela supernova remnant spans nearly 100 light-years and is located about 800 light-years away in the constellation Vela.
The image reveals intricate web-like filaments of gas and dust, showcasing the complex aftermath of the supernova explosion.
The Vela pulsar, a neutron star resulting from the supernova, is also visible in the image, spinning at a rate of 11 rotations per second.
The DECam, mounted on the Victor M. Blanco 4-Meter Telescope in Chile, was originally designed for the Dark Energy Survey but has been used for broader astronomical observations.