Abell 36 - Pk 318+41.1 +50 Hs NB in HOO palette
Abell 36 is a fascinating planetary nebula located in the constellation of Virgo. This nebula is a result of a dying sun-like star shedding its outer layers, creating a beautiful and complex structure in space. This report provides a detailed description of Abell 36, synthesizing information from various sources to offer a comprehensive understanding of this celestial object.
Location and Discovery
Abell 36 is situated approximately 780 to 800 light years away from Earth in the constellation of Virgo. It was discovered in the 1950s by the American astronomer George Ogden Abell, which is why it bears his name.
Structure and Appearance
The nebula is faint and barrel-shaped, with a very faint halo of ionized gas that measures about 4° x 5° in angular diameter. The inner part of the nebula has a resemblance to the helical-shaped Cat's Eye Nebula (NGC 6543) with two pairs of bipolar lobes. This bipolar structure is a common feature in many planetary nebulae.
Central Star and Temperature
At the heart of Abell 36 lies a very hot white dwarf star, known as FB138, with an effective surface temperature exceeding 73,000 K. This central star emits a significant amount of ultraviolet radiation, which ionizes the surrounding gas and causes it to glow.
Formation and Age
The nebula is estimated to have formed around 10,000 years ago. This formation is a result of the central star expelling its outer layers as it runs out of nuclear fuel, a common end stage for low-mass stars like our Sun.
Future and Significance
Over the next 10,000 years, the nebula will continue to expand and dissipate into the interstellar medium, eventually becoming invisible. This process is a glimpse into the future of our own Sun, which will undergo a similar transformation in billions of years.
Abell 36 is a remarkable example of a planetary nebula, showcasing the final stages of stellar evolution for sun-like stars. Its complex structure, hot central star, and faint halo make it a subject of interest for astronomers and astrophotographers alike. Understanding Abell 36 not only provides insights into the life cycle of stars but also offers a preview of the eventual fate of our own solar system.
Taken from backyard in San Isidro, Buenos Aires, Bortle 9 sky.
Telescopes: Meade Series 6000 130mm · Sky-Watcher Quattro 200P
Camera: QHYCCD QHY268 M
Mount: iOptron CEM70
Filters: Astrodon H-alpha 3nm 36 mm · Astrodon OIII 3nm 36 mm
Dates
15 June de 2023
18 - 19 June de 2023
16 - 17 August de 2023
25 August de 2023
6 - 7 July de 2024
15 - 16 July de 2024
18 July de 2024
22 July de 2024
Lights:
Astrodon H-alpha 3nm 36 mm: 119×300,″(9h 55′)
Astrodon H-alpha 3nm 36 mm: 101×600,″(16h 50′)
Astrodon OIII 3nm 36 mm: 127×300,″(10h 35′)
Astrodon OIII 3nm 36 mm: 92×600,″(15h 20′)
Total integration time: 52h 40′
