SH2-71

SH2-71 is a complex bipolar planetary nebula. Its convoluted nature is probably due to the fact that the central star is a binary system. The overall luminosity of this nebula is over 1000 times that of our sun. The gases near the center are being pushed away from the central star are velocities of 500 km/s. The companion may actually be close enough to the primary star to permit gas to fall onto the white dwarf and periodically cause spectacular explosions. However, in order for these periodic explosions to occur, the gas must accrete in a disk surrounding the white dwarf and build up for a while. Since the central star here seems more quiet, many astronomers think that the white dwarf has a strong magnetic field and the stripped gases fall directly on the pole of the white dwarf! If this is correct, the system may be similar to AM Herculis.

This image was taken as part of Advanced Observing Program (AOP) program at Kitt Peak Visitor Center during 2014.