Shapley 1: An Annular Planetary Nebula
Credit & Copyright: D. Malin (AAO),
AATB
Explanation:
What happens when a star runs out of
nuclear fuel?
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.
