NASA Chandra Image: Supernova remnant MSH 11-62

A long observation with Chandra of the supernova remnant MSH 11-62 reveals an irregular shell of hot gas, shown in red, surrounding an extended nebula of high energy X-rays, shown in blue. 

Even though scientists have yet to detect any pulsations from the central object within MSH 11-62, the structure around it has many of the same characteristics as other pulsar wind nebulas. 

The reverse shock and other, secondary shocks within MSH 11-62 appear to have begun to crush the pulsar wind nebula, possibly contributing to its elongated shape. 

Note: the orientation of this image has been rotated by 24 degrees so that north is pointed to the upper left.

Image credit:  NASA/CXC/SAO/P. Slane et al.