A Cosmic Couple: Star Hen 2-427 & Nebula M1-67 | Hubble

A Cosmic Couple: Star Hen 2-427 & Nebula M1-67 | Hubble

Here we see the spectacular cosmic pairing of the star Hen 2-427—more commonly known as WR 124—and the nebula M1-67 which surrounds it. Both objects, captured here by the NASA/European Space Agency Hubble Space Telescope are found in the constellation of Sagitta and lie 15,000 light-years away.

The star Hen 2-427 shines brightly at the very center of this explosive image and around the hot clumps of gas are ejected into space at over 150,000 kilometers per hour.

Hen 2-427 is a Wolf–Rayet star, named after the astronomers Charles Wolf and Georges Rayet. Wolf–Rayet are super-hot stars characterized by a fierce ejection of mass.

The nebula M1-67 is estimated to be no more than 10,000 years old—just a baby in astronomical terms—but what a beautiful and magnificent sight it makes.

Distance: 15,000 light years

Credit: European Space Agency (ESA)/Hubble & NASA

Acknowledgement: Judy Schmidt

Release Date: August 17, 2015

#NASA #ESA #Astronomy #Space #Hubble #Star #WolfRayet #Hen2427 #WR124 #NebulaM167 #Sagitta #Constellation #Cosmos #Universe #SpaceTelescope #GSFC #STScI #UnitedStates #Europe #Astronomers #CharlesWolf #GeorgesRayet #History #STEM #Education