The ‘Eye Of Creation’ Holds The Secrets To Cosmic Life And Death
“The Helix nebula has a disk-like and bubble-like structure to it, formed by the dying central star. An infrared view highlights the neutral, cold gas. All of it will evaporate over time, while the central star is so hot it barely shows up at these cold wavelengths.”
When it comes to dying stars, supernovae get all the press. They may be the largest and most massive stars to die, but hundreds of times more common are the planetary nebulae of the Universe, formed by dying Sun-like stars. These astronomical wonders blow off their outer layers – not just hydrogen but also heavier elements – to return them to the interstellar medium. The cool, neutral gas seen at the outskirts has been blown off for tens of thousands of years, but gets heated up by the ultraviolet radiation coming from the central, newly-formed white dwarf. It may be faint, but it’s incredibly hot, and will eventually be the cause of the total annihilation and dissociation of the nebula.
Given enough time, this cosmic death will contribute to the rebirth of new stars. Come get all the details on today’s Mostly Mute Monday!
