Astronomy Picture of the Day ·

HFG1 & Abell 6: Planetary Nebulae

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for February 12, 2024 is “HFG1 & Abell 6: Planetary Nebulae,” an image. The picture is copyrighted by its creator (Image Credit & Copyright: Julien Cadena & Mickael Coulon ; Text: Natalia Lewandowska ( SUNY Oswego )). The original explanation runs about 176 words.

The image shows a dark field filled with stars and a diffuse red nebula running across horizontally. In the field are two circular objects that are bright, light colored. The lower object is larger and encircled in a blue glow. Please see t
Credit: Image Credit & Copyright: Julien Cadena & Mickael Coulon ; Text: Natalia Lewandowska ( SUNY Oswego ) Copyrighted Shown from science.nasa.gov. Not hosted by OpenOrbit.

From the explanation

“Planetary nebulae like Heckathorn-Fesen-Gull 1 (HFG1) and Abell 6 in the constellation Cassiopeia are remnants from the last phase of a medium sized star like our Sun . In spite of their shapes, planetary nebulae have nothing in common with actual planets .”

— APOD editors, February 12, 2024

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date
February 12, 2024
Type
Image
Credit
Credit: Image Credit & Copyright: Julien Cadena & Mickael Coulon ; Text: Natalia Lewandowska ( SUNY Oswego )
Copyright
Copyrighted by the credited creator. Ask the copyright holder before reusing it.
Explanation length
About 176 words

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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.