NGC 6781
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 photodissociation (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).
This image was taken as part of Advanced Observing Program (AOP) program at Kitt Peak Visitor Center during 2014.
Credit:KPNO/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/Adam Block
About the Image
| Id: | noao-n6781blocks |
| Type: | Observation |
| Release date: | June 22, 2014, 6:27 a.m. |
| Size: | 1310 x 883 px |
About the Object
Wallpapers
Coordinates
| Position (RA): | 19 18 8.91 |
| Position (Dec): | 6° 33' 41.37" |
| Field of view: | 12.35 x 8.31 arcminutes |
| Orientation: | North is 168.2° left of vertical |
View in WorldWide Telescope:
Colors & filters
| Band | Wave-length | Tele-scope |
|---|---|---|
| Optical B | 438 nm | Visitor Center 0.5-meter Telescope Other CCD |
| Optical G | 475 nm | Visitor Center 0.5-meter Telescope Other CCD |
| Optical R | 625 nm | Visitor Center 0.5-meter Telescope Other CCD |
| Optical Broad Band | 555 nm | Visitor Center 0.5-meter Telescope Other CCD |