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Planetary Nebula M2-9, optical image
Planetary Nebula M2-9. Composite infrared image of the planetary nebula Minkowski 2-9 (M2-9), showing the dying sun-like star at its centre. This nebula consists of shells of gas cast off from the central dying star. The highly directional flow of gas has led to it being nicknamed the Twin Jet nebula, or the Wings of a Butterfly nebula. It is thought that the shape is due to the rotation of the star. Planetary nebulae form when a Sun-like star runs out of fuel near the end of its life. The core contracts and heats up and the outer layers are cast off into space. Radiation from the exposed core ionises the gas shells, causing them to emit light. Imaged by the FORCAST (Faint Object Infrared Camera) of the SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) project.
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