NGC 40 is a planetary nebula located in the constellation Cepheus, approximately 3,500 light-years from Earth. It was discovered by the German-born British astronomer William Herschel on November 25, 1788. Unlike galaxies, which are vast collections of stars, planetary nebulae like NGC 40 are the remnants of dying stars that have shed their outer layers, leaving behind a hot core known as a white dwarf.
NGC 40 is often called the “Bow-Tie Nebula” due to its distinctive shape. The nebula’s glowing gas is energized by radiation from the central star, which is extremely hot, with a surface temperature exceeding 50,000 Kelvin. Over time, the gas will continue expanding and fading, while the central star will eventually cool into a white dwarf.
The nebula is composed mainly of hydrogen and helium, with traces of oxygen and nitrogen that give it a reddish-pink glow in telescope images. The surrounding gas cloud is moving outward at a speed of about 29 km per second.
NGC 40 provides astronomers with insights into the life cycle of medium-sized stars, including what will eventually happen to our Sun in several billion years. By studying objects like NGC 40, scientists learn more about the chemical enrichment of the universe, as these nebulae release elements that later contribute to the formation of new stars and planets.
Capture Details:
Telescope: Celestron Nexstar 8se
Filter: Optolong L-Pro
Camera: ZWO ASI294 MC Pro
Mount: Skywatcher EQM-35 Pro
Total Time: 280 x 47 sec 3 hours 40 minutes
Capture Software: N.I.N.A.
Guiding: PHD2, ZWO asi120mm mini ZWO OAG-L
Processed in: PixInsight
Additional details on Astrobin.com.