What is a supernova remnant?

A supernova remnant is the material that remains after a supernova explosion occurs, which is an astronomical event resulting from the explosive death of a massive star. During a supernova, the outer layers of the star are expelled into space, leaving behind a cloud of gas and dust. This ejected material expands outward and can illuminate the surrounding interstellar medium, creating structures that often exhibit intricate shapes and varying colors due to the chemical composition and temperature of the remains.

As the supernova remnant interacts with the surrounding medium, it plays a crucial role in the synthesis and distribution of heavy elements throughout the galaxy. This process enriches the interstellar medium and contributes to the formation of new stars and planets. The remnants can also be sites of future star formation, as the material may collapse under gravity to create new stellar objects.

In contrast, the core of a dying star does not encompass the expansive material and phenomena associated with a supernova remnant. Similarly, while a black hole can form from the gravitational collapse of a massive star, it represents a different stage in stellar evolution and is not the visible output of a supernova. Lastly, a nebula formed from stellar dust doesn't specifically refer to the aftermath of a supernova but can encompass other sources