Henize 3 401: An Elongated Planetary Nebula
Explanation:
How do dying stars eject their outer layers?
Stars that create elegant
planetary nebulas like Henize 3-401,
pictured above, are not unusual,
causing speculation that, one day, our own
Sun
may look like this.
Henize 3-401 is one of the most
elongated planetary nebulas
yet discovered, a particularly
odd feat for a seemingly round star.
Perhaps, some astronomers hypothesize,
the elongated shape gives a clue to the expulsion mechanism.
Genesis hypotheses include that the outer layers
of gas are funneled out by the star's own
magnetic field, and that a second unseen star is somehow involved.
After the gas disperses in a few thousand years, only a
white dwarf star will remain.
Henize 3-401 lies about 10,000
light years away toward the
constellation of
Carina.
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.
