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Dumbbell planetary nebula (M27)
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Dumbbell planetary nebula (M27)
Dumbbell Nebula. Optical image of the Dumbbell planetary nebula (M27, NGC 6853). This has nothing to do with a planet. It is actually a shell of gas ejected from a star near the end of its life. The star then becomes a white dwarf (not seen), and its radiation causes the ejected gas layers to glow. It is thought that the gas layers seen here were ejected from the central star around 4000 years ago. This planetary nebula lies around 1000 light years from Earth in the constellation Vulpecula
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Media ID 6442747
© MPIA-HD, BIRKLE, SLAWIK/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Cosmology Dumb Bell Dust Nebula Optical Planetary Nebula Star Death Starry Stars Stellar Stellar Evolution Vulpecula Ngc 6853
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the mesmerizing beauty of the Dumbbell planetary nebula (M27), also known as the Dumbbell Nebula. Contrary to its name, this celestial wonder has no connection with a planet whatsoever. Instead, it unveils a stunning shell of gas expelled from a dying star in its final stages of life. As we gaze upon this optical image, we witness the ethereal glow emitted by layers of gas that have been illuminated by the radiation emanating from the unseen white dwarf at its core. It is believed that these breathtaking gas layers were ejected approximately 4000 years ago by the central star before it transformed into a white dwarf. Located around 1000 light years away from our home planet Earth in the constellation Vulpecula, this planetary nebula serves as an awe-inspiring testament to stellar evolution and star death. The intricate patterns created by dust and gas within this cosmic masterpiece leave us marveling at nature's ability to craft such extraordinary phenomena. Captured with scientific precision and artistic finesse, this photograph not only offers us glimpses into distant realms but also ignites our curiosity about our place in the vast universe. With every detail meticulously preserved, Science Photo Library presents us with an opportunity to explore and appreciate one of nature's most enigmatic creations – M27, NGC 6853: The Dumbbell Planetary Nebula.
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