Southern Ring Nebula

The magnificent Ring Nebula is a beautiful sight to watch in the sky this week

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I imagine that virtually any good book on astronomy would include a photo of what can best be described as the sky’s “smoke ring.” Others may call it a donut or a cosmic bagel, but the popular name for this object is simply the Ring Nebula, located in the constellation Lyra, the Lyra. Although generally … Read more

Scientists reveal the unexpected structure of the Southern Ring Nebula: ‘We were amazed’

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The glorious, billowing Southern Ring Nebula is the cocoon of a dying star – and it has a secret. Scientists have discovered that this nebula exhibits a double ring structure, revealing not one, but possibly three stars at its heart. The Southern Ring Nebula, also called NGC 3132, is a planetary nebula located about 2,000 … Read more