ESO’s Very Large Telescope images the Medusa Nebula

ESO’s Very Large Telescope in Chile has captured the most detailed image ever taken of the Medusa Nebula (also known Abell 21 and Sharpless 2-274). As the star at the heart of this nebula made its final transition into retirement, it shed its outer layers into space, forming this colourful cloud. The image foreshadows the final fate of the Sun, which will eventually also become an object of this kind.

Credit:

ESO

About the Image

Id:eso1520a
Type:Observation
Release date:20 May 2015, 12:00
Related releases:eso1520
Size:3293 x 3430 px

About the Object

Name:Medusa Nebula, Sh 2-274
Type:Milky Way : Nebula : Type : Planetary
Distance:1500 light years
Constellation:Gemini
Category:Nebulae

Image Formats

Large JPEG
3.7 MB
Screensize JPEG
287.5 KB

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Wallpapers

1024x768
280.6 KB
1280x1024
499.6 KB
1600x1200
790.5 KB
1920x1200
988.6 KB
2048x1536
1.3 MB

Coordinates

Position (RA):7 29 11.33
Position (Dec):13° 15' 57.02"
Field of view:6.91 x 7.20 arcminutes
Orientation:North is 0.1° left of vertical