Astronomy Picture of the Day ·

MyCn 18: The Engraved Hourglass Planetary Nebula

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for October 3, 2023 is “MyCn 18: The Engraved Hourglass Planetary Nebula,” an image. The picture is copyrighted by its creator (Image Credit & Copyright: NASA , ESA , Hubble , HLA ; Processing & Copyright: Harshwardhan Pathak). The original explanation runs about 173 words.

A vertical planetary nebula is shown in orange around the outside but with a blue glow in the center. The outside is shaped like a tilted hourglass, while the inside appears similar to an eye. Please see the explanation for more detailed in
Credit: Image Credit & Copyright: NASA , ESA , Hubble , HLA ; Processing & Copyright: Harshwardhan Pathak Copyrighted Shown from science.nasa.gov. Not hosted by OpenOrbit.

From the explanation

“Do you see the hourglass shape — or does it see you? If you can picture it, the rings of MyCn 18 trace the outline of an hourglass — although one with an unusual eye in its center.”

— APOD editors, October 3, 2023

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date
October 3, 2023
Type
Image
Credit
Credit: Image Credit & Copyright: NASA , ESA , Hubble , HLA ; Processing & Copyright: Harshwardhan Pathak
Copyright
Copyrighted by the credited creator. Ask the copyright holder before reusing it.
Explanation length
About 173 words

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Topics in this entry

NebulaeHubble Space Telescope

Topics are matched from words in the title and explanation.

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Source

Copy taken Oct 28, 2026, 2:39 AM EDT. The image and explanation belong to their creators. OpenOrbit is not affiliated with or endorsed by NASA.