IC 443: The Jellyfish Nebula
IC 443 , also known as the Jellyfish Nebula, is a supernova remnant (SNR) located in the constellation Gemini, approximately 5,000 light-years from Earth. It is one of the most well-studied remnants of a massive star explosion, providing valuable insight into the late stages of stellar evolution and the interaction between supernovae and the surrounding interstellar medium. Physical Characteristics IC 443 spans roughly 70 light-years across and is estimated to be between 3,000 and 30,000 years old, though the exact age remains uncertain. It is the result of a Type II supernova, which occurs when a massive star exhausts its nuclear fuel and collapses under its own gravity. The explosion released an immense amount of energy, sending shock waves into the surrounding interstellar gas. One of IC 443’s most distinctive features is its complex structure, influenced by the density variations in the interstellar medium. Unlike many other supernova remnants, which appear roughly spherical,...
