NGC 6826: The Blinking Eye
Explanation:
The colorful planetary nebula phase of a sun-like star's
life is brief.
Almost in the "blink of an eye" - cosmically speaking - the star's outer
layers are cast off, forming an expanding emission nebula.
This nebula lasts perhaps
10 thousand years compared to a 10 billion year stellar life span.
Spectacular planetary nebulae are familiar objects to both professional
and amateur astronomers, but they still contain a few surprises.
For instance,
the lovely nebula NGC 6826, also known as the
Blinking Eye Nebula, has
mysterious red FLIERS seen on either side of
the Hubble Space Telescope image above.
Are they also expanding outward from the central star? If so, their
"bow shocks" point in the wrong direction!
Tomorrow's picture: Exploring Plum Crater
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.
