July 16, 2014 Minkowski’s Footprint, a protoplanetary nebula in Cygnus Image Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA Minkowski’s Footprint [designated Minkowski 92 (M1-92) and IRAS 19343+2926] is a bipolar protoplanetary nebula, located about 8,000 light-years away from Earth in the northern constellation of Cygnus (the Swan), that features two vast onion-shaped structures on either side of a central [continue reading]
December 6, 2013 The Westbrook Nebula, a protoplanetary nebula in Auriga Image Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA The Westbrook Nebula (also known as CRL 618, PK 166-06 1 and AFGL 618) is a bi-polar, finger-shaped protoplanetary nebula that began to form about 200 years ago. The nebula, which is named after William E. Westbrook, who died [continue reading]
July 14, 2013 IRAS 22036+5306, a protoplanetary nebula in Cepheus Image Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA IRAS 22036+5306 is a dusty, bipolar protoplanetary (or preplanetary) nebula located about 6,500 light-years away from Earth in the northern constellation of Cepheus (named after the King of Aethiopia in Greek mythology). Despite their name, protoplanetary nebulae have nothing to [continue reading]
May 22, 2013 Henize 3-1475, a protoplanetary nebula in Sagittarius Image Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA Henize 3-1475 (Hen 3-1475 for short, and also known as IRAS 17423-1755) is a bipolar protoplanetary nebula located around 18,000 light-years away from Earth in the constellation of Sagittarius (the Archer). The nebula – nicknamed the Garden-sprinkler Nebula – is [continue reading]
April 27, 2013 U Camelopardalis, a Red Giant Image Credit: ESA/Hubble, NASA and H. Olofsson (Onsala Space Observatory) U Camelopardalis, or U Cam for short, is a bright red giant – a once Sun-like star nearing the end of its life – surrounded by a shell of gas, located about 1,400 light-years away from Earth [continue reading]
March 31, 2013 The Egg Nebula, a protoplanetary nebula in Cygnus Image Credit: W. Sparks (STScI) and R. Sahai (JPL), NASA and The Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA) I’m Wishing You and Your Loved Ones a Very Happy Easter!! The Egg Nebula (designated CRL 2688) is a bipolar protoplanetary nebula with an estimated diameter of [continue reading]