Southern Ring
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Source: Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration
Published: April 10, 2019 (NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, NIRCam)
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The Southern Ring planetary nebula, also known as NGC 6720, is a stunning example of the beauty and complexity of the universe. Located approximately 2,000 light-years from Earth in the constellation of Aquila, this nebula is one of the brightest and most well-known in the sky. A planetary nebula is formed when a star reaches the end of its life and begins to shed its outer layers. This material is then ionized by the intense ultraviolet radiation from the star's core, creating a glowing cloud of gas and dust known as a nebula. The Southern Ring planetary nebula is particularly interesting because it is shaped like a ring, with the star at its center. The Southern Ring planetary nebula was first discovered in 1779 by English astronomer William Herschel. At the time, Herschel thought that the nebula was a planet, hence the name "planetary nebula." However, it was later determined to be a cloud of gas and dust surrounding a dying star. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Southern Ring planetary nebula is the intricate patterns of gas and dust that can be observed within it. These patterns are created by a variety of physical processes, including the movement of the gas and dust within the nebula, the action of magnetic fields, and the interactions between the nebula and the surrounding interstellar medium. In recent years, the Southern Ring planetary nebula has been studied extensively by astronomers using a variety of techniques, including spectroscopy, which allows them to analyze the chemical composition of the nebula, and imaging, which allows them to create detailed maps of the nebula's structure. These studies have provided valuable insights into the life cycle of stars and the processes that take place within planetary nebulae. Overall, the Southern Ring planetary nebula is a beautiful and fascinating object that continues to captivate astronomers and the public alike. Its intricate patterns and colors offer a glimpse into the complexity and beauty of the universe, and its study provides valuable insights into the life and death of stars.
Published: April 10, 2019 (NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, NIRCam)
more details | zoom
The Southern Ring planetary nebula, also known as NGC 6720, is a stunning example of the beauty and complexity of the universe. Located approximately 2,000 light-years from Earth in the constellation of Aquila, this nebula is one of the brightest and most well-known in the sky. A planetary nebula is formed when a star reaches the end of its life and begins to shed its outer layers. This material is then ionized by the intense ultraviolet radiation from the star's core, creating a glowing cloud of gas and dust known as a nebula. The Southern Ring planetary nebula is particularly interesting because it is shaped like a ring, with the star at its center. The Southern Ring planetary nebula was first discovered in 1779 by English astronomer William Herschel. At the time, Herschel thought that the nebula was a planet, hence the name "planetary nebula." However, it was later determined to be a cloud of gas and dust surrounding a dying star. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Southern Ring planetary nebula is the intricate patterns of gas and dust that can be observed within it. These patterns are created by a variety of physical processes, including the movement of the gas and dust within the nebula, the action of magnetic fields, and the interactions between the nebula and the surrounding interstellar medium. In recent years, the Southern Ring planetary nebula has been studied extensively by astronomers using a variety of techniques, including spectroscopy, which allows them to analyze the chemical composition of the nebula, and imaging, which allows them to create detailed maps of the nebula's structure. These studies have provided valuable insights into the life cycle of stars and the processes that take place within planetary nebulae. Overall, the Southern Ring planetary nebula is a beautiful and fascinating object that continues to captivate astronomers and the public alike. Its intricate patterns and colors offer a glimpse into the complexity and beauty of the universe, and its study provides valuable insights into the life and death of stars.
“When the star dies, Its eye closes; tired of watching, It flies back to its first bright dream.” — Dejan Stojanovic
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Coordinates: x:32550 y:18250
Coordinates: x:53217 y:54584
Coordinates: x:32550 y:32850
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