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This image, taken by the Hubble Space Telescope, shows the dark and colorful scene of the star known as NGC 2371/2 dying in a deep space.
(Image credit: ESA / Hubble & NASA, R. Wade et al.)
The dark and gloomy scene of a dying star was filmed by the Hubble Space Telescope in the Gemini constellation.
This cosmic region is so complicated that when astronomers paid attention to it a few years ago, they recorded two objects because a symmetrical lobe structure is visible there. Today, we know that there is only one object. Nevertheless, out of respect for the old naming conventions, the region is often known as NGC 2371/2 – a combination of two older names: NGC 2371 and NGC 2372.
Together, the two symmetrical lobes form a planetary nebula, a term inherited from an earlier era of astronomy. With some of the first telescopes, when the views were very blurred, astronomers spotted gaseous objects that looked a bit like planets. But these objects proved to be not planetary at all.
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"NGC 2371/2 is formed when a sun-like star has reached the end of its life and has peeled off its outer layers, releasing the constituent material and pushing it into the air." space to leave only a superheated stellar residue.This remains visible bright star in the center of the frame, sitting perfectly between the two lobes, "Hubble official said in a statement.
Astronomers expect that rapid changes will occur in this region over the next several thousand years. The star is currently emitting radiation and igniting gas nearby, but over time it will begin to blend into a white dwarf. During this time, the jets visible in the image will change direction and the material will continue to spread around the dying star.
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