APOD: Bright Planetary Nebula NGC 7027... (2018 Jan 09)

[sleepless]

Lumpy Pillow Nebula

[AstroKnurd]

The Starfish Nebula. I also saw a Shuriken.

[K Demel]

NGC 7027 reminds me of a diatom. Hence a moniker of Diatom Nebula might be appropriate. This name would bring to mind the immense scale difference between elements of our universe.

[markbaker43@hotmail.co.uk]

Candy Floss Nebula.. Or in respect to the Star Man 'The David Bowie Nebula'

[distefanom]

When I see images of these so-called planetary nebulas, I have many questions on what we are seeing trough the images, the interpretation we can give and what's happening in reality.
I think, since nobody ever witnessed an exploding star, having enough documentation, i.e. time lapse imaging...
how can be really sure of our interpretation?
Foe example, the shape itself: Why this romboidal aspect? It can be seen in many other "exploding stars"... but how are we sure of the correct interpretation?
Also why the two-lobe appearance of the "clouds" in the middle? why a thing that is supposed to "explode" should explode in two opposite sides, and not in the "middle"? What's in the middle that, in certain ways can "lock" (I have no other words) the gas expansion and release them in subseguent times?
Also what's the meaning of "explosion" for a star, since for us, human beings, is something that happens in no time and all-at-once?

[saracoolspacekid@www.net]

With the pink and two round fluffy shapes I think either Double Bubble or Cotton Candy would fit! It looks like an explosion of flavor!

[geckzilla]

When I see images of these so-called planetary nebulas, I have many questions on what we are seeing trough the images, the interpretation we can give and what's happening in reality.
I think, since nobody ever witnessed an exploding star, having enough documentation, i.e. time lapse imaging...
how can be really sure of our interpretation?
Foe example, the shape itself: Why this romboidal aspect? It can be seen in many other "exploding stars"... but how are we sure of the correct interpretation?
Also why the two-lobe appearance of the "clouds" in the middle? why a thing that is supposed to "explode" should explode in two opposite sides, and not in the "middle"? What's in the middle that, in certain ways can "lock" (I have no other words) the gas expansion and release them in subseguent times?
Also what's the meaning of "explosion" for a star, since for us, human beings, is something that happens in no time and all-at-once?

Astronomers can use spectroscopy to create position velocity diagrams to help determine the shape of these nebulas. How the shape itself comes to be is not at all intuitive, but shells can be caused by expulsion and collapse of the star's outer layers, while cones and jets are formed by outflows from the star's poles.

[hikerguy]

I think a word picture such as The Big Pillow would be cool.

[reticular]

The Flaming Envelope Nebula.

[HobbitDad04]

Phoebus,
How about OX HIDE NEBULA? A common form of Copper ingot from the Cypriot mines was the OX HIDE. Both the Copper OX HIDES and the Nebula are made of Star Stuff and are formed through heat.

[JIMa]

How about the "BUTTERFLY NEBULA"

[zumulko]

The Flying Squirrel Nebula

[madrhino]

Call it, "The Pillow Mint"

[fxb]

Cauliflower Nebula

[rzn6jw]

Looks kind of like a Carnation you wear in your lapel at a dance or wedding.

[Muriel Bergman]

The first thing I saw was an opened book. Wonders of the universe are contained in "The Mighty Tome Nebula".

bergman.muriel@gmail.com

[Isotropic Metric.]

I suggest the "Frustule Nebula", which is a kind of 2-part diatom.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frustule

Isotropic Metric.

[Guest]

Shark's egg nebula

My choice too! The alternate name for a shark's egg case, "Mermaid's Purse" would be swell!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egg_case_(Chondrichthyes)

[ShaggyRulez123]

How about the Zura nebula?

[Joni]

I like Pillow Nebula. Let's stick with the obvious.

[Leon1949Green]

Many cultures' pillows are not shaped this way. Gummie Bear and Bowie are funny. Fyling Squirrel therefore gets my vote.

[rahseln@comcast.net]

There is no other name than that of ... " Flying Squirrel" It's a perfect fit.

[Yup]

Shark's egg nebula

My choice too! The alternate name for a shark's egg case, "Mermaid's Purse" would be swell!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egg_case_(Chondrichthyes)

Yes! The Mermaid's Purse Nebula is an excellent name!

[22queje]

Its should be named the Q Nebula of Mushroom Clouds.

[toneyvr]

The Twerk Nebula
Sorry, it had to be said