The Ring Nebula picture you see here is of a planetary nebula in the northern constellation of Lyra. And like people, stars die of old age too. However, when they die it can often be an explosion that bursts ionized gas all around it and form a nebula. The white dot in the middle of the Ring Nebula is the sun-like remains of a star called a White Dwarf.
Around the middle of this nebula is helium gas followed by hydrogen and oxygen. Next, the outer rings contain mostly nitrogen and sulfur. This is what makes up the beautiful transition of colors from the center to the outer edges of the Ring Nebula. In addition, the nebula is also tilted on its side giving it a ring appearance where if it were seen from the other angle it may look more flat like our solar system.
About the M57 Ring Nebula Picture
History of M57
The Ring Nebula was first discovered by the French Astronomer, Charles Messier in January of 1779. The discovery came by surprise while tracking a particular comet in the night sky. In addition, this was the 57th object in Messier’s catalog of interstellar records. Furthermore, Charles Messier documented 110 space objects in total that are named after him to this day.
Constellation where M57 lies
Lyra constellation
Exact Location of Messier 57
Coordinates: RA 18h 53m 35s | Dec +33° 1′ 45″
Group for M57
Messier Objects
Ring Nebula Photography Equipment
Taken April 11 2020 at 3:29 am using a Meade 5in refactor 120mm X 700mm telescope and a Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XS 59s exposure at ISO 1600 single image.
Other photos of the Ring Nebula from additional sources.
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