Artist’s impression of two white dwarf stars destined to merge and create a Type Ia supernova

This artist’s impression shows the central part of the planetary nebula Henize 2-428. The core of this unique object consists of two white dwarf stars, each with a mass a little less than that of the Sun. They are expected to slowly draw closer to each other and merge in around 700 million years. This event will create a dazzling supernova of Type Ia and destroy both stars.

Credit:

ESO/L. Calçada

About the Image

Id:eso1505a
Type:Artwork
Release date:9 February 2015, 17:00
Related releases:eso1505
Size:4878 x 3049 px

About the Object

Name:Hen 2-428
Type:Milky Way : Star : Evolutionary Stage : Supernova
Category:Illustrations

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