The body of expanding gas ejected at a speed of about 10,000 km s-1
by a → supernova explosion, observed as a diffuse
→ gaseous nebula,
often with a → shell-like structure. Supernova remnants are generally
powerful → radio sources. The evolution of the SNR can be
divided into different phases according to the dominant physical processes.
Simplified models are made for the first stages, to get an idea of typical time scales,
expansion velocities, and sizes. The three main phases are:
- the → free expansion phase,
- the → Sedov-Taylor phase, and
- the → snowplow phase.
See also: → supernova; → remnant.
