A important discovery involving a supernova remnant in the Milky Way, identified as G278.94+1.35, has made by a team of international astronomers. This structure, resulting from a massive stellar explosion, was initially thought to be approximately 8,800 light years away.
This new findings have revise this distance to about 3,300 light years, making it closer than previously calculated.
The remnant’s estimated physical dimensions have also adjust to around 189 by 182 light years, contrary to earlier assessments of over 500 light years.
As per the study on 30th December 2025 on the pre-print server arXiv, highlight the properties of this remnant.
The research team, led by Miroslav D. Filipović, Professor at Western Sydney University, observations were conduct using the Australian Square Kilometer Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) as part of the ASKAP-Evolutionary Map of the Universe project.
These observations reveal the nearly circular shape and expansive nature of the remnant, now call as “Diprotodon,” in homage to an extinct giant marsupial native to Australia.
The research team attribute the name to raise awareness about the prehistoric megafauna of Australia and ongoing extinction challenges.
The findings, as per report indicate that the supernova remnant is in a radiative evolutionary phase, suggesting continue expansion.
Diprotodon’s progenitor star is estimate to have about 15 times the mass of the Sun.
The kinetic energy release during the explosion is approximate at 500 quindecillion ergs.
The spectral index of the remnant, measure at around -0.55, aligns with typical shell-type remnants observe in the galaxy.
These characteristics place it among the largest supernova remnants known, providing valuable insights into the dynamics of such structures.
The study has offer important data regarding the formation, expansion, and current state of Diprotodon, contributing to the broader understanding of supernova remnants within the Milky Way.
