ESO’s Very Large Telescope images the Medusa Nebula
ESO’s Very Large Telescope in Chile has captured the most detailed image ever taken of the Medusa Nebula (also known Abell 21 and Sharpless 2-274). As the star at the heart of this nebula made its final transition into retirement, it shed its outer layers into space, forming this colourful cloud. The image foreshadows the final fate of the Sun, which will eventually also become an object of this kind.
Credit:ESO
About the Image
| Id: | eso1520a |
| Type: | Observation |
| Release date: | 20 May 2015, 12:00 |
| Related releases: | eso1520 |
| Size: | 3293 x 3430 px |
About the Object
| Name: | Medusa Nebula, Sh 2-274 |
| Type: | Milky Way : Nebula : Type : Planetary |
| Distance: | 1500 light years |
| Constellation: | Gemini |
| Category: | Nebulae |
Wallpapers
Coordinates
| Position (RA): | 7 29 11.33 |
| Position (Dec): | 13° 15' 57.02" |
| Field of view: | 6.91 x 7.20 arcminutes |
| Orientation: | North is 0.1° left of vertical |
View in WorldWide Telescope:
Colours & filters
| Band | Telescope |
|---|---|
| Optical B | Very Large Telescope FORS2 |
| Optical [O III] | Very Large Telescope FORS2 |
| Optical V | Very Large Telescope FORS2 |
| Optical R | Very Large Telescope FORS2 |
| Optical H-alpha | Very Large Telescope FORS2 |