
AAPOD2 Image Archives
SNR G206.9+2.3: A Rarely Photographed Remnant in Monoceros
SNR G206.9+2.3 is a rarely imaged supernova remnant (SNR) located in the constellation Monoceros. This celestial structure is the expanding shell of material ejected after a massive star exploded in a supernova event thousands of years ago. The remnant displays a striking filamentary structure, with delicate tendrils of ionized gases, primarily oxygen (OIII) and hydrogen (H-alpha), forming complex, glowing shells. These filaments trace the shock fronts where the expanding debris from the explosion interacts with the surrounding interstellar medium, creating intricate patterns of ionized gas that span several light-years.
The oxygen-rich regions, emitting in OIII, appear as bluish-green filaments, while the H-alpha regions, which trace ionized hydrogen, glow in shades of red. The interaction of these gases produces a complex and dynamic structure that astronomers study to understand the physics of supernova remnants and their role in enriching the galaxy with heavier elements. Despite its relative obscurity, SNR G206.9+2.3 offers a unique opportunity to explore the aftermath of stellar death and provides insight into the processes that shape the interstellar medium.