The Medusa Nebula
The story
Braided and serpentine filaments of glowing gas suggest this nebula's popular name, The Medusa Nebula. Also known as Abell 21, this Medusa is an old planetary nebula some 1,500 light-years away in the constellation Gemini. Like its mythological namesake, the nebula is associated with a dramatic transformation. The planetary nebula phase represents a final stage in the evolution of low mass stars like the sun as they transform themselves from red giants to hot white dwarf star
Highlights
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Frequently asked
What is this image of?
Braided and serpentine filaments of glowing gas suggest this nebula's popular name, The Medusa Nebula. Also known as Abell 21, this Medusa is an old planetary nebula some 1,500 light-years away in the constellation Gemini. Like its mytholog…
Who captured it?
This image is credited to Bruno Rota Sargi, featured via NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day.
When was it published?
NASA featured this image on 2024-11-22.
Can I use this image?
NASA imagery is generally free to use for education; check the official APOD page for specific credit and licensing.
See it in full resolution
Open NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day for the high-resolution image, full explanation and credits.
View on NASA APODOpens the official source in a new tab.
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