Planetary Nebula NGC 7027 in Infrared
Explanation:
NGC 7027
is one of the smallest known
planetary nebulae.
Even so,
NGC 7027 is 14,000 times larger than the
Earth-Sun distance. Planetary nebula are so
named because
the first few discovered appeared similar to planets.
Planetary nebula
are actually dying stars, though, that have
recently run out of nuclear fuel.
The outer gaseous shells are expelled by an unknown process,
frequently creating
spectacular displays.
In the
above picture in
infrared light, the hot central star is visible. Our
Sun will become a
planetary nebula
in about 5 billion years.
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.
