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 nebulae 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.
