Interstellar Gas in the Direction of the VELA Pulsar

High-velocity interstellar Ca ii components have been found in two stars within three degrees of the Vela pulsar, 0833-45. One component, at - t72 km i relative to the local standard of rest, is believed to be the highest velocity hitherto observed in an interstellar absorption line. These lines appear to be associated with the Vela X, V, Z, supernova-remnant complex. The measured velocity enables us to derive significant new limits on the age of the remnant and the initial kinetic energy associated with tbe supernova outburst, together with a self-consistent interpretation of the associated soft X-ray emission.