PK 40-0.1

Click on image for larger version.

PK 40-0.1 is similar to many planetary nebulae in its very spherical shape. Like Abell 39, this sphere of gas was released in a very symmetric way. Note how the edge of the nebula appears brighter. This limb brightening happens because we see more gas towards the edge of the sphere than through its two center thinner layers. PK 40-0.1 is located in the direction of Aquila. In this direction tremendous clouds of gas and dust scatter blue light of what is beyond them. Thus, most things in this field look more red than they would otherwise appear to be.

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 = 60 minutes binned 1x1
 Red = 15 minutes binned 2x2
 Green = 15 minutes binned 2x2
 Blue = 15 minutes binned 2x2

Minimum credit line: John Pierce/Adam Block/NOAO/AURA/NSF

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Updated: 05/17/2004