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Hubble Reveals the Ring Nebula's True Shape
Credit: NASA, ESA, C.R. O'Dell (Vanderbilt University), and D. Thompson (Large Binocular Telescope Observatory)
In this composite image, visible-light observations by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope are combined with infrared data from the ground-based Large Binocular Telescope in Arizona to assemble a dramatic view of the well-known Ring Nebula. Called a planetary nebula, the Ring Nebula is the glowing remains of a Sun-like star. The object is tilted toward Earth so that astronomers see the ring face-on. The Hubble observations reveal that the nebula's shape is more complicated than astronomers thought. Image released May 23, 2013.
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Compass and Scale Image for Ring Nebula (HST and LBT)
Credit: NASA, ESA, and Z. Levay (STScI)
In this composite image, visible-light observations by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope are combined with infrared data from the ground-based Large Binocular Telescope in Arizona to assemble a dramatic view of the well-known Ring Nebula. Compass and scale provided. Image released May 23, 2013.
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Mapping the Ring Nebula's Structure
Credit: NASA, ESA, and A. Feild (STScI)
This illustration depicts a sideways view of the Ring Nebula, as deduced by astronomers using new Hubble observations. The doughnut-shaped feature in the center of the graphic is the main ring. The lobes above and below the ring comprise a football-shaped structure that pierces the ring. Dense knots of gas are embedded along the ring's inner rim. Image released May 23, 2013.
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Hubble Captures a Ring
Credit: NASA, ESA, and the Hubble Heritage (STScI/AURA)-ESA/Hubble Collaboration
This close-up, visible-light view by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope reveals new details of the Ring Nebula. The object is tilted toward Earth so that astronomers see the ring face-on. The Hubble observations reveal that the nebula's shape is more complicated than astronomers thought. The blue gas in the nebula's center is actually a football-shaped structure that pierces the red doughnut-shaped material. Image released May 23, 2013.
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Compass and Scale Image for Ring Nebula (HST only)
Credit: NASA, ESA, and Z. Levay (STScI)
This close-up, visible-light view by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope reveals new details of the Ring Nebula. Compass and scale provided. Image released May 23, 2013.
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Ring Nebula
Credit: Bob and Janice Fera
The Ring Nebula in Lyra lies 2,300 light years from Earth. It is estimated to have been expanding for about 1,600 years.
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Ring Nebula
Credit: AURA/STScI/NASA)
The Ring Nebula.
