NGC 6781

Click on image for larger version.

This is an almost a perfect bubble of gas cast off by a single star that has died. The bubble continues to expand; it is approximately two light years across now. Its imperfection (from our perspective) is due to photodisassociation (yes... this is a real word) by interstellar UV radiation. Energetic photons from nearby bright stars decompose the gas bubble. Note the dim central blue star (a blue/white white dwarf).

Equipment

20in RC Optical Systems telescope Operating at f/8.4
Paramount ME Robotic Telescope Mount
SBIG ST10XME CCD camera with color filter wheel

L R G B color production was used to create this image.

Luminance = 60 minutes binned 1x1
 Red = 10 minutes binned 2x2
 Green = 10 minutes binned 2x2
 Blue = 10 minutes binned 2x2
  • One iteration of L-R deconvolution (sharpening) algorithm using CCDsharp was applied to the luminance image.

    • Minimum credit line: Adam Block/NOAO/AURA/NSF

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    Updated: 06/30/2003