The Bubble Nebula

The Bubble Nebula, located in the constellation Cassiopeia, is an emission nebula approximately 6 light years across.  The illuminated bubble and the surrounding nebulosity are ravaged by a bright and massive star omitting fast stellar winds of ionized gases into expansion shells.

The Bubble Nebula is a very rare example of a planetary nebula around an OB star.  In our own galaxy, there are only two known examples: the Bubble Nebula and NGC6164-5.

Planetary nebulae form when aging stars lose mass via stellar winds.  These winds sweep up the surrounding medium around the star into a shell, which can appear as a ring or other shapes around the central star due to the effects of perspective and viewing angle. 

An earlier image of this object, made using the same equipment by Jack and Rick, is shown below.

LHaRGB (30, 90, 36, 18, 30 minutes) with color from a 20" RC

To see another excellent version of this object taken by John on April 5, 2005, click here.