Watch: Calabash Nebula snapped by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope
What's the story
NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has captured a stunning new image of the Calabash Nebula. The nebula gets its name from its gourd-like shape and is located in the constellation Puppis. The central star of this nebula is a dying star that is shedding its outer layers at an incredible speed.
Stellar details
Hubble's image reveals details
The Hubble image shows the central star of the Calabash Nebula ejecting gas at incredible speeds. The expelled material forms dense clouds that create dramatic lobes on either side of the star. These features were captured in stunning detail by Hubble, giving astronomers a closer look at this cosmic phenomenon.
Stellar evolution
Calabash Nebula's shape indicates turbulent stellar phase
The shape of the Calabash Nebula suggests an extremely turbulent phase in its stellar evolution. The image shows yellow-orange material streaming violently from the dying star at speeds of nearly 966,000km/h. Blue shockwaves are created when these gases collide with their surroundings, further hinting at the nebula's chaotic nature.
Cosmic recycling
Hubble's observations provide insights into stellar mass loss
The new image from Hubble will help scientists understand how stars lose mass as they near their end. The structure of the nebula maps crucial stages in late stellar evolution. Researchers study these lobes to model complex energy flows, refining theories about cosmic recycling processes. This information is vital for understanding the life cycle of stars and the evolution of galaxies.