description NGC 2736 Overview
NGC 2736, commonly known as the Pencil Nebula, is a narrow shock front in the Vela supernova remnant. Discovered by John Herschel in 1835, this filamentary structure is approximately 5 light-years long and located about 815 light-years from Earth. The nebula represents a section of the expanding gas shell from a supernova that exploded approximately 11,000 years ago, with its linear shape resulting from the interaction between the supernova shock wave and surrounding interstellar medium.
help NGC 2736 FAQ
What is the common name for the astronomical object NGC 2736?
NGC 2736 is commonly known in astronomy as the Pencil Nebula due to its long, thin, and filamentary structure. It represents a narrow shock front moving through interstellar space.
Who first discovered the Pencil Nebula?
The Pencil Nebula was discovered by the English astronomer John Herschel in 1835 during his observational campaigns in South Africa. Herschel originally cataloged it before its true nature as a supernova remnant was understood.
How large is the Pencil Nebula and how far is it from Earth?
This nebula is approximately 5 light-years long and is located about 815 light-years from Earth in the constellation of Vela. Its massive size and proximity make it a popular target for amateur astrophotographers.
How was NGC 2736 originally formed?
NGC 2736 is a small section of the much larger Vela supernova remnant, which was created when a massive star exploded roughly 11,000 years ago. The glowing gas we see today is a result of the supernova's blast wave colliding with dense regions of the interstellar medium.
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