Supernova remnants are usually created by a single supernova, but research using NASA Chandra Xray data reveals that a double explosion is linked to the colourful chaos of 30 Doradus B (30 Dor B for short).

When previous observations were combined with X-ray data, it became clear that the pulsars and bright X-rays seen in the centre of 30 Dor B were most likely caused by a supernova explosion that occurred after the collapse of a massive star about 5,000 years ago. The larger, fainter shell of X-rays, on the other hand, is too large to have originated from the same supernova and instead is likely the result of another supernova.

Image descriptions:

1. In the left corner there is a thick, coral pink and wine-coloured cloud with a texture reminiscent of cotton candy. In the upper and lower right corner there is a network of dark red clouds.

2. There appears to be a layer of thin blue clouds throughout the image, but the most prominent one is in the lower left, free of overlapping gas. Distant stars punctuate the image. In the centre a bright purple and pink cloud glows with bright white dots and is streaked with lightning-like veins.2. 30 Dor B in X-ray data captured by Chandra. The nebular form glows purple with a bright light near the right side. It can be seen on the faint shell of the X-rays.

3. 30 Dor B with optical data from the Blanco 4-metre telescope in Chile.

The cyan haze in the upper left curves down towards the centre of the image. An orange glow adds venous detail to the nebula.

4. Infrared data of 30 Dor B captured by the Spitzer Space Telescope.

A red haze curves down from the right side of the image. The red colour is strongest near the centre and shines brightly below the supernova remnant.