Sh2-71
Sharpless 2-71 is a complex planetary nebula with an unclear origin. A planetary nebula is formed when a Sun-like star blows off its outer layers near the end of its life. But which star is it? The bright star at the center of the nebula is actually a binary star system. If one of these stars is responsible for the nebula, it could explain the nebula's compex shape. However, the binary star system doesnt appear to radiate enough ultraviolet (UV) light to cause the surrounding gas to glow as intensely as it does. The dimmer, blue star just to the lower-right of the bright central star likely does produce enough UV light to energize the nebula. Which one of these two stars, or even possibly a third, is responsible for the nebula is not yet known.
| Observatory: | Gemini Observatory (North) Mauna Kea, Hawai'i |
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| Telescope: | Gemini North |
| Instrument: | GMOS-N |
| Astronomer: | Gemini Observatory and T.A. Rector (University of Alaska Anchorage) |
| Date of Observation: | 08-23-2011 |
| Filters and Assigned Colors: | H-alpha (orange), HeII (blue) and [OIII] (cyan) |
| Exposure Times: | 3x300sec in each filter |
| Location of Image: | Aquilla |
| Field of View: | 5.3 x 3.6 arcmin |
| Orientation: | Rotated CW 110 degrees from north is up, east is left |
| Link to Larger Image | |
| Link to Full Resolution Image | |
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