ⓘ NASA
An Image of Hubble in orbit
Hubble provided the clearest image yet of the youngest and closest pre-planetary nebula ever discovered. It is called the Egg Nebula. Hubble’s image is providing more insight into understanding the late stages of a star’s life.
The Egg Nebula is located about 1,000 light-years away in the constellation Cygnus. It is so-named due to its appearance. It has a central star whose light is blocked out by a dense cloud of dust, just like egg white covers the yolk.
In this image, there are two polar beams of light visible on both sides of the central star. This is likely due to light passing through polar openings in the thick central dust.
The light beams also reveal arcs that have a symmetrical ripple-like appearance. This is evidence that the star likely ejected gas and dust in a coordinated manner rather than as a violent explosion. However, scientists have not fully understood how this coordinated ejection happens. The shapes and motions of the beams also suggest gravitational interactions with one or more hidden companion stars buried deep within the thick central dust.
The Egg Nebula is still in a pre-planetary phase — a phase that lasts only a few thousand years. It is yet to become a planetary nebula with an exposed hot core. So, it is not capable of making its surrounding gas glow by ionization. The gas and dust are only reflecting the light from the dying star itself. Tracking this stage is crucial to understanding the late-stage stellar evolution, and Hubble is helping with it.
Hubble image of the Egg Nebula
Chibuike Okpara – Tech Writer – 391 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2024
I have always been fascinated by technology and digital devices my entire life and even got addicted to it. I have always marveled at the intricacy of even the simplest digital devices and systems around us. I have been writing and publishing articles online for about 6 years now, just about a year ago, I found myself lost in the marvel of smartphones and laptops we have in our hands every day. I developed a passion for learning about new devices and technologies that come with them and at some point, I asked myself, “Why not get into writing tech articles?” It is useless to say I followed up the idea — it is evident. I am an open-minded individual who derives an infinite amount of joy from researching and discovering new information, I believe there is so much to learn and such a short life to live, so I put my time to good use — learning new things. I am a ‘bookworm’ of the internet and digital devices. When I am not writing, you will find me on my devices still, I do explore and admire the beauty of nature and creatures. I am a fast learner and quickly adapt to changes, always looking forward to new adventures.