VLT/SPHERE image of the star L2 Puppis and its surroundings

Some of the sharpest images ever made with ESO’s Very Large Telescope have for the first time revealed what appears to be an ageing star in the early stages of forming a butterfly-like planetary nebula. These observations of the red giant star L2 Puppis from the ZIMPOL mode of the newly installed SPHERE instrument also reveal a close companion. The dying stages of the lives of stars continue to pose many riddles for astronomers.

Credit:

ESO/P. Kervella

About the Image

Id:eso1523a
Type:Observation
Release date:10 June 2015, 12:00
Related releases:eso1523
Size:1104 x 1104 px

About the Object

Name:L2 Puppis
Type:Milky Way : Nebula : Type : Planetary
Constellation:Puppis
Category:Stars

Image Formats

Large JPEG
49.1 KB
Screensize JPEG
37.6 KB

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Coordinates

Position (RA):7 13 32.32
Position (Dec):-44° 38' 23.07"
Field of view:0.01 x 0.01 arcminutes
Orientation:North is 0.0° left of vertical

Colours & filters

BandWavelengthTelescope
Optical
V
554 nmVery Large Telescope
SPHERE
Optical
R
646 nmVery Large Telescope
SPHERE
Optical
V
554 nmVery Large Telescope
SPHERE
Optical
R
646 nmVery Large Telescope
SPHERE