description W51C Overview
W51C is a middle-aged supernova remnant in the W51 complex, notable for Fermi-detected gamma rays from interaction with dense molecular gas.
help W51C FAQ
What kind of object is W51C?
W51C is a middle-aged supernova remnant in the larger W51 complex of the Milky Way. Its expanding shell is interacting with dense molecular gas in the surrounding star-forming region.
Why is W51C important in gamma-ray astronomy?
NASA's Fermi Large Area Telescope detected GeV gamma rays from W51C. The emission is linked to high-energy particles from the shock interacting with nearby molecular clouds.
How old is W51C?
Astronomical studies commonly describe W51C as roughly 10,000 years old, making it middle-aged for a supernova remnant. Its age allows the shock to interact strongly with surrounding molecular material.
What is the relationship between W51C and W51B?
W51C is the supernova-remnant component of the broader W51 region, while W51B includes nearby molecular-cloud material. Their interaction is one reason W51C is bright in radio and gamma-ray observations.
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