MICHELLE imaging of NGC 7027

MICHELLE imaging of NGC 7027 obtained in July 2003 during the initial commissioning of the instrument on Gemini North. These thermal-infrared images trace the hot dust (~ 300 K) that exists within the planetary nebula. Images at two wavelengths, 7.9 and 18.5 microns, let researchers estimate how much dust is present in these systems. In NGC 7027 approximately 50 Earth masses of hot dust is present within the nebula.