The Medusa Nebula (PK 205 + 14.1) in the constellation of Gemini was only discovered in 1955. Its name comes from the snake-like gas filaments which remind of the hair of Medusa. For a long time, the nebula was thought to be a supernova remnant, before the measurement of the propagation velocities of the gas structures proved that it was a Planetary Nebula. Such nebulae are end products of sun-like stars that repel their outer gas shells.
Both images were taken in the nights from 29. to 30.03.2019 and from 30. to 31.03.2019 by an 8-inch RC telescope at focal length f=1080mm with an ATIK383L+ – CCD camera.
The exposure times were 130min in red light of the hydrogen-alpha-line and 165min in blue-green light of double ionized oxygen. The first image shows the nebula in “realistic” colors, the “false color processing” in the second image makes various structures in the nebula appear clearer.
Images and text: Peter Stinner, member of the STScI.
Add comment