NGC 1514

Click on image for larger version.

NGC 1514 is a very dim nebula towards the constellation of Taurus. It is characterized by a very dim, smooth outer shell with a much brighter inner shell and bright blobs. Measurements of the gas near center indicate that it is expanding outwardly at 25 kilometers per second. The morphology of this nebula is currently thought to be determined by a binary star (instead of a single star) in the center. Indeed, based on the likely masses of the progenitor stars (and possible separation) astronomers estimate these stars would orbit each other with a period of 4 to 9 days. If there are two stars at the heart of this nebula- the more massive one, which eventually shed its outer envelope, was probably 3-4 times as massive as our Sun.

Equipment

20in RC Optical Systems telescope Operating at f/8.4
Paramount ME Robotic Telescope Mount
SBIG ST10XME CCD camera with color filter wheel

L R G B color production was used to create this image.

Luminance= synthetic
Red = 30 minutes binned 1x1
 Green = 30 minutes binned 1x1
 Blue = 30 minutes binned 1x1
  • The AO unit was used to acquire this image.
  • No deconvolution was applied in order to minimize noise.

    • Minimum credit line: Adam Block/NOAO/AURA/NSF

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    Updated: 12/07/2004