| Nebula | |
|---|---|
.png) The nebula, as imaged by theHubble Space Telescope | |
| Observation data: J2000epoch | |
| Subtype | Protoplanetary nebula |
| Right ascension | 19h 05m 02s |
| Declination | +00° 48′ 50.9″ |
| Distance | ~11,000ly ly |
| Constellation | Aquila |
| See also:Lists of nebulae | |
IRAS 19024+0044, also known informally as theStarfish Nebula[1], is a largeprotoplanetary nebula that is located in theconstellation Aquila at a distance of approximately 11,000 light-years from theMilky Way.[2][3]
Thecentral star of the nebula is approaching the final stage of its evolution. It is surrounded by a cloud of gas and dust resembling astarfish. The nebula is characterized by five blue bubbles that extend from the central star, giving the nebula an asymmetric shape. Its blue color comes from the blue component of the star's spectrum, which is more easily scattered by the nebula's gas and dust than the red and orange colors, which remain relatively intact.[1]
The nebula was also directly imaged by theHubble Space Telescope, and was selected as ESA/HUBBLE's Picture of the Week starting September 5, 2011.[1][4]