<p>A Supernova Remnant contains a Black Hole or a Neutron Star while a Planetary Nebula contains a White Dwarf. </p>

<p>Also, Supernovae Remnants are likely to have great velocities, so Doppler is another plausible choice. - Not through telescope though.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-11-25T21:39:39.463Z
2017-11-25T21:55:10.963Z
2017-11-25T21:55:10.963Z
user174411
<p>If we see a nebula by looking through a powerful telescope, how can we tell whether we are looking at the remnant of a supernova or at a planetary nebula?
Thanks</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-11-25T20:21:24.197Z
This [article](http://www.astronomy.com/magazine/ask-astro/2013/08/planetary-nebulae-and-supernova-remnants) seems to explain it but there is a paywall unfortunately.
Aspiring Mathematician
<telescope><observational-astronomy><supernova><nebula>
How to visually tell the difference between a planetary nebula and a supernova remnant?
Aspiring Mathematician
# How to visually tell the difference between a planetary nebula and a supernova remnant?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2017-11-25)

If we see a nebula by looking through a powerful telescope, how can we tell whether we are looking at the remnant of a supernova or at a planetary nebula?
Thanks

**Tags:** telescope, observational-astronomy, supernova, nebula
> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: This [article](http://www.astronomy.com/magazine/ask-astro/2013/08/planetary-nebulae-and-supernova-remnants) seems to explain it but there is a paywall unfortunately.  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2017-11-25. Score: 1 | Accepted answer

A Supernova Remnant contains a Black Hole or a Neutron Star while a Planetary Nebula contains a White Dwarf.

Also, Supernovae Remnants are likely to have great velocities, so Doppler is another plausible choice. - Not through telescope though.


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