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Астронет: Астрономическая картинка дня Кольцеобразная туманность Шепли-1 http://variable-stars.ru/db/msg/1161902/eng |
Credit & Copyright: Anglo-Australian Telescope
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Explanation:
This strange structure is what can result when a normal
star
runs out of
nuclear fuel
in its core. At that time, the center condenses into a
white dwarf while the outer atmospheric layers are
expelled into space and appear as a
planetary nebula.
This particular
planetary nebula, designated Shapley 1 after
the famous astronomer
Harlow Shapley, has a very apparent annular ring like
structure. Although some of these nebula appear like planets on the sky
(hence their name), they actually surround stars far outside our solar system.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.