NGC 2359

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Thor’s Helmet Nebula

Thor’s Helmet Nebula imaged on the occasion of ESO’s 50th Anniversary.
Observation data
(Epoch J2000)
Right ascension 07h 18m 30s[1]
Declination −13° 13.8 [1]
Distance 15 kly[2]
Constellation Canis Major
Physical characteristics
Notable features HII (ionized) region
Other designations GUM 4, LBN 227.66-00.09, SH 2-298, GRS 227.80 -00.20, LBN 1041, RCW 5[1]
See also: Planetary nebula, Lists of nebulae

NGC 2359 (also known as Thor's Helmet) is an emission nebula[3] in the constellation Canis Major. The nebula is approximately 15,000 light-years away and 30 light years in size. The central star is the Wolf-Rayet star HD 56925, an extremely hot giant thought to be in a brief, pre-supernova stage of evolution. It is similar in nature to the Bubble Nebula, interactions with a nearby large molecular cloud are thought to have contributed to the more complex shape and curved bow-shock structure of Thor's Helmet.

It is also Sharpless catalog Sh2-298 and Gum catalog 4.[4]

Gallery

See also

HD 56925

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Search Results for NGC 2359". Astronomical Database. SIMBAD. Retrieved 5 October 2012. 
  2. "ESO Celebrates its 50th Anniversary". ESO Press Release. Retrieved 5 October 2012. 
  3. SEDS: NGC 2359
  4. "The Gum Catalog". Galaxymap.org. Retrieved 2013-10-06. 

External links

Coordinates: 07h 18m 30s, −13° 13′ 48″

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