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Credit & Copyright: WIYN Telescope
Consortium
Explanation:
Imaged by the WIYN Telescope,
the Firework Nebula
is the result of a type of stellar explosion called a nova.
In a nova,
a nuclear detonation on the surface of a compact
white dwarf star blasts away material
that has been
dumped on its surface by a companion star.
Also known as
GK Persei or Nova
Persei,
this nova became one of the brightest stars in the night sky
in the year 1901.
As it faded, astronomers could see an
expanding shell of
gas that eventually became this spectacular nebula.
While not exactly predictable,
GK Per undergoes minor outbursts every three or four years.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: nebula - nova - emission nebula
Publications with words: nebula - nova - emission nebula
See also: