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Credit & Copyright: WIYN Telescope
Consortium
Explanation:
Imaged by the WIYN Telescope,
the Firework Nebula
is the result of a type of stellar explosion called a nova.
In a nova,
a nuclear detonation on the surface of a compact
white dwarf star blasts away material
that has been
dumped on its surface by a companion star.
Also known as
GK Persei or Nova
Persei,
this nova became one of the brightest stars in the night sky
in the year 1901.
As it faded, astronomers could see an
expanding shell of
gas that eventually became this spectacular nebula.
While not exactly predictable,
GK Per undergoes minor outbursts every three or four years.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: nebula - nova - emission nebula
Publications with words: nebula - nova - emission nebula
See also:
- APOD: 2024 April 24 Á Dragons Egg Bipolar Emission Nebula
- APOD: 2024 March 13 Á The Seagull Nebula
- APOD: 2024 February 21 Á Seagull Nebula over Pinnacles Peak
- NGC 1893 and the Tadpoles of IC 410
- APOD: 2024 January 23 Á Deep Nebulas: From Seagull to California
- The Light, the Dark, and the Dusty
- APOD: 2023 December 13 Á Deep Field: The Heart Nebula