Bipolar planetary nebula Hubble 12

This image taken with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope shows an example of a bipolar planetary nebula. This object, which is known as Hubble 12 and also catalogued as PN G111.8-02.8, lies in the constellation of Cassiopeia. The striking shape of Hubble 12, reminiscent of a butterfly or an hourglass, was formed as a Sun-like star approached the end of its life and puffed its outer layers into the surrounding space. For bipolar nebulae, this material is funnelled towards the poles of the ageing star, creating the distinctive double-lobed structure.

Observations using the NTT and Hubble have found that bipolar planetary nebulae located towards the central bulge of our Milky Way appear to be strangely aligned in the sky — a surprising result given their varied and chaotic formation.

Credit:

NASA, ESA
Acknowledgement: Josh Barrington

About the Image

Id:eso1338c
Type:Observation
Release date:4 September 2013, 15:00
Related releases:eso1338
Size:595 x 541 px

About the Object

Name:PN G111.8-02.8
Type:Local Universe : Nebula : Type : Planetary
Constellation:Cassiopeia
Category:Nebulae

Image Formats

Large JPEG
68.4 KB
Screensize JPEG
110.8 KB

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1024x768
147.3 KB
1280x1024
221.6 KB
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294.4 KB
1920x1200
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2048x1536
418.1 KB

Coordinates

Position (RA):23 26 14.68
Position (Dec):58° 10' 56.78"
Field of view:0.49 x 0.45 arcminutes
Orientation:North is 30.7° left of vertical

Colours & filters

BandWavelengthTelescope
Optical
B
502 nmHubble Space Telescope
WFPC2
Ultraviolet
U
439 nmHubble Space Telescope
WFPC2
Optical
R
656 nmHubble Space Telescope
WFPC2
Optical
V
555 nmHubble Space Telescope
WFPC2
Infrared
I
675 nmHubble Space Telescope
WFPC2
Optical
R
658 nmHubble Space Telescope
WFPC2