NGC 7009: The Saturn Nebula
Explanation:
The layers of the
Saturn Nebula
give a complex picture of how this
planetary nebula
was created. The
above picture,
taken in April 1996 and released last week,
allows a better understanding of the mysterious process that
transformed a low-mass star into a
white dwarf star.
A computer model indicates that the central star of
NGC 7009 first expelled the green gas that now appears barrel shaped.
This green gas now confines stellar winds flowing from the central star,
creating a jet which forms the
ansae that appear in red at the tips.
Much remains unknown, including why the gas has not become
turbulent.
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.
