An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A → shock front in a → supernova remnant (SNR) arising from the interaction of the → supersonic  → forward shock wave with the → interstellar medium (ISM) material. The reverse shock forms as the high pressure gas behind the forward shock wave expands and pushes back on the stellar ejecta. Reverse shock propagates into ejecta, starting from outside.

See also: → reverse; → shock.