Bubble Nebula (NGC 7635) Facts, Formation, Location

The Bubble Nebula (NGC 7635) is an emission nebula located 7,100 light-years in the constellation Cassiopeia. Its bubble structure is shaped by intense radiation from a massive young star. Hubble Space Telescope captured images of the nebula, revealing its composition and details. The nebula’s gas reaches temperatures of 10,000 Kelvin and emits light across visible, ultraviolet, and X-ray wavelengths.

William Herschel discovered the Bubble Nebula in 1787. The nebula measures 7 light-years across and is estimated to be 40,000 years old. It expands outward at a rate of 36 km/s, creating a bubble shape. The central star, BD+60°2522, is 44 to 60 times as massive as our Sun and generates strong stellar winds that form the bubble structure. Astronomers classify the Bubble Nebula as an emission nebula with the designation NGC 7635.

Cassiopeia constellation houses the Bubble Nebula in the northern hemisphere. The nebula’s coordinates are right ascension 23h 20m 48s and declination +61° 12′ 06″. Observers can view it with a telescope, making it a target for stargazers and researchers.

Hydrogen gas comprises 70-80% of the Bubble Nebula’s mass, with helium making up 20-30%. Trace amounts of oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur are present. The star BD+60°2522 loses material through stellar winds, ejecting charged particles at 1,000 kilometers per second. Interaction between stellar winds and surrounding gas creates a shock wave, compressing and heating the gas to emit light. The nebula’s expanding bubble structure measures 3 light-years in diameter and contains ionized gas that gives it its color.

What is a Bubble Nebula (NGC 7635)?

The Bubble Nebula (NGC 7635) is an emission nebula located 7,100 light years in Cassiopeia. Radiation from a massive young star shapes its bubble-like structure. Hubble Space Telescope captured images, revealing composition. NASA and ESA released Hubble imagery in 2016. Scientists study the Bubble Nebula for insights into star formation.

The Bubble Nebula is formed by stellar winds and radiation from SAO 20575. These winds blow a bubble of ionized gas into the surrounding interstellar medium at a speed of 100 km/s (62 mi/s). The Bubble Nebula is composed of glowing hydrogen gas ionized by ultraviolet radiation from the central star. The nebula’s gas reaches temperatures of around 10,000 Kelvin (18,000°F) and emits light across visible, ultraviolet, and X-ray wavelengths.

The Bubble Nebula space contains a dark molecular cloud. The molecular cloud appears as an absorption lane across the center of the nebula. Molecular gas compressed by the expanding bubble forms stars within the nebula. The Bubble Nebula contains hydrogen, helium, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur. Dust particles in the nebula measure around 0.1 micrometers (μm) in size and scatter and absorb light, giving the nebula its colors.

What type of nebula is the Bubble Nebula?

The Bubble Nebula, NGC 7635, is an emission nebula in space. Emission nebulae emit light from nearby young stars. The Bubble Nebula spans 10 light-years across and lies 7,100 light-years from Earth. 

What is the temperature of the Bubble Nebula?

The Bubble Nebula’s temperature varies between its central star and surrounding gas. The star SAO 20575 has an effective temperature of 37,500 Kelvin. Its surface temperature reaches an estimated 67,000 degrees Fahrenheit (37,200 degrees Celsius). The heat of SAO 20575 drives the nebula’s formation and structure. Gas within the interstellar bubbles of the nebula reaches temperatures less than 3,000,000 Kelvin. SAO 20575’s intense radiation ionizes this gas, causing it to glow and form the bubble shape. The stellar winds from SAO 20575 interact with the surrounding interstellar medium to create a cavity of ionized gas. The temperature gradient between the star and outer regions contributes to the nebula’s evolution and potential for star formation.

What is the radius of the Bubble Nebula?

The Bubble Nebula’s radius measures 3.5 light-years. Conflicting information exists, with some sources stating a 7 light-year radius. Measurements place the diameter at 7 light-years across. The Bubble Nebula’s size equals 1/100th the distance to Alpha Centauri, located 4.37 light-years from the Sun.

What is the magnitude of the Bubble Nebula?

The Bubble Nebula’s magnitude is 10.5. The Bubble Nebula’s apparent magnitude is around 6.5. Magnitude refers to the nebula’s brightness or luminosity. SAO 20575, the central star, ionizes the nebula with radiation and strong stellar wind. NGC 7635 is an alternative name for the Bubble Nebula.

What are interesting facts about the Bubble Nebula?

NGC 7635, known as the Bubble Nebula, is an H II region emission nebula in Cassiopeia. Massive star BD+60°2522 creates a 10-light-year bubble expanding at 100 km/s through stellar wind. William Herschel discovered it in 1787. Star has 45,000 K surface temperature, losing 10^-5 solar masses yearly.

The interesting facts about the Bubble Nebula are listed below.

• Bubble Nebula discovery: It was discovered by William Herschel in 1787.
• Bubble Nebula location: It is located in the Cassiopeia constellation, near the open cluster Messier 52, 8,000 light-years from Earth.
• Bubble Nebula size: The nebula measures 7 light-years across.
• Bubble Nebula age: It is estimated to be 40,000 years old.
• Bubble Nebula expansion: It expands outward at a rate of 36 km/s, creating an asymmetric bubble shape.
• Bubble Nebula gas and shell structure: Gas from the nebula escapes into space, forming a shell structure and causing the nebula to expand outward.
• Bubble Nebula official designation: Its official designation is NGC 7635.
• Importance of Bubble Nebula: It showcases processes occurring in the universe and provides insights into massive star life cycles.

BD+60°2522, the star creating the Bubble Nebula, is 44 to 60 times more massive than our Sun. The star burns and generates a strong stellar wind, which creates the bubble shape of the nebula. Gas from the nebula escapes into space, forming a shell structure and causing the nebula to expand outward.

Astronomers classify the Bubble Nebula as an emission nebula. Its official designation is NGC 7635. The nebula showcases processes occurring in the universe and provides insights into massive star life cycles. Stargazers and researchers find the Bubble Nebula interesting due to its unique appearance and formation process.

What is the age of the Bubble Nebula?

The Bubble Nebula’s estimated age is 40,000 years. Wolf-Rayet star BD+60°2522 formed the nebula through radiation and stellar winds. The Bubble Nebula exists as an H II region emission nebula in Cassiopeia constellation. Wolf-Rayet star will explode as a supernova in the future. The Bubble Nebula lies 7,100 light-years from Earth.

How was the Bubble Nebula formed?

Massive star BD +60°2522 formed the Bubble Nebula through radiation and stellar winds. Star fuses hydrogen into helium, losing 3.5 x 10^-5 solar masses. Expanding outer layers create a bubble structure at 100 km/s. Compressed surrounding gas emits bright light. William Herschel discovered this emission nebula in 1787.

What shape is the Bubble Nebula?

The Bubble Nebula appears spherical in shape. Its nickname and appearance suggest a perfect bubble structure. Examination reveals a complex geometry. The nebula extends 3 light-years in one direction and 2 light-years in the other. Astronomers classify the Bubble Nebula’s shape as elliptical. The nebula’s outline is circular with an oval form. A central star, 45 times more massive than our Sun, sculpts the nebula’s shape. Stellar winds and radiation from this star interact with the surrounding interstellar medium. The interaction creates a shockwave that compresses and heats the gas, forming the glowing bubble structure. The Bubble Nebula measures 7 light-years across. Its longer axis spans 3.5 light-years, while the shorter axis measures around 2.5 light-years. The nebula’s core maintains a spherical shape. An expanding shell surrounds this core, contributing to the overall elliptical appearance.

How did the Bubble Nebula get its name?

The Bubble Nebula derives its name from its unique spherical shape resembling a soap bubble. Astronomers gave NGC 7635 this nickname due to its distinctive appearance. Central star BD+60°2522 forms the nebula’s shape through stellar wind, expelling gas into surrounding space. William Herschel discovered this emission nebula in 1787 in the constellation Cassiopeia.

In which constellation is the Bubble Nebula located?

The Bubble Nebula (NGC 7635) resides in the constellation Cassiopeia. Cassiopeia occupies the northern hemisphere and contains several notable objects. William Herschel discovered the Bubble Nebula in 1787. The nebula lies 7,100 light-years from Earth. 

Cassiopeia contains the Bubble Nebula in its part. The Bubble Nebula nestles within Cassiopeia near the constellation’s edge. NGC 7635, another name for the Bubble Nebula, has coordinates of right ascension 23h 20m 48s and declination +61° 12′ 06″. The Bubble Nebula lies 7,100 light-years from Earth. William Herschel discovered the Bubble Nebula in 1787.

In which galaxy is the Bubble Nebula located?

The Bubble Nebula is located in the Milky Way galaxy. The Bubble Nebula resides in the constellation Cassiopeia, 7,100 light-years from Earth. The Bubble Nebula measures 3 light-years in diameter. The Bubble Nebula is classified as an emission nebula. Researchers study the Bubble Nebula to gain insights into star formation and nebular evolution processes.

How far is the Bubble Nebula from Earth?

The Bubble Nebula exists 7,100 light-years from Earth. William Herschel discovered this emission nebula in 1787. The Bubble Nebula resides in constellation Cassiopeia near star Gamma Cassiopeiae. Central star SAO 20575, 45 times more massive than our sun, creates the nebula’s signature 10 light-year diameter bubble through radiation and winds.

How to find the Bubble Nebula through a telescope?

Skies with Bortle class 3 or lower are essential for observing the Bubble Nebula. Telescopes with at least 10 inches (25 cm) aperture diameter are required. Dobsonian telescopes work. The Bubble Nebula appears as a faint, shell-like structure around the central star BD+60°2522. Magnification of 200-300x improves visibility.

To find the Bubble Nebula through a telescope follow the steps outlined below.

• Locate the constellation Cassiopeia, recognizable by its “W” shape in the northern sky.
• Identify the star 40 Cassiopeiae, which is a 5th-magnitude star located about 1° north of the nebula.
• Set up a telescope with an aperture of at least 8 inches for best visibility of the Bubble Nebula.
• Choose a dark sky location with Bortle class 3 or darker for optimal viewing conditions.
• Use an O-III filter to enhance the visibility of the faint nebulosity of the Bubble Nebula.
• Use a larger telescope of 16-18 inches to reveal the Bubble Nebula’s detailed irregular bubble shape.
• Adjust your telescope to the coordinates Right Ascension: 23h 20m 44.8s, Declination: +61° 12′ 02″.
• Locate the star SAO 20575, a 7th-magnitude O-type star, near the nebula.
• Use a magnification of 100-200x to view the bubble structure of the Bubble Nebula.
• Observe the Bubble Nebula as a ring-shaped nebula with a diameter of 3 arcminutes, appearing pinkish-red with a darker interior surrounding a blue-white star.

Telescopes with an aperture of at least 8 inches reveal the Bubble Nebula as a shell or bubble shape. Dark skies (Bortle class 3 or darker) allow observers to see the Bubble Nebula. Filters like O-III enhance the visibility of the faint nebulosity. Telescopes of 16-18 inches reveal the Bubble Nebula’s irregular bubble shape.

The Bubble Nebula appears as a ring-shaped nebula with a diameter of 3 arcminutes. Observers view the Bubble Nebula at a magnification of 100-200x to see the bubble structure. The Bubble Nebula location is Right Ascension: 23h 20m 44.8s, Declination: +61° 12′ 02″. Astronomers find the star, SAO 20575, which is a 7th-magnitude O-type star. The Bubble Nebula appears as a pinkish-red ring with a darker interior, surrounding a blue-white star.

What is the Bubble Nebula made of?

The Bubble Nebula consists of hydrogen gas, comprising 70-80% of its mass. Helium makes up 20-30%. Trace amounts of oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur exist. Interstellar gas cloud surrounds massive star BD+60°2522. Strong stellar winds from central O-type star shape nebula’s bubble structure. New stars form within dense molecular clouds.

The composition of the Bubble Nebula is detailed in the table below.

BD+60°2522, the star at the center of the Bubble Nebula, loses material through stellar wind. The star has 45 times the mass of our Sun and a surface temperature of 50,000 Kelvin. Stellar wind from BD+60°2522 creates a stream of charged particles ejected from the star’s surface at a velocity of 1,000 kilometers per second.

Expelled material interacts with the surrounding molecular cloud, forming a network of gas and dust. The interaction between stellar wind and surrounding gas creates a shock wave. The shock wave compresses and heats the gas, causing it to emit light at wavelengths.

Gas within the Bubble Nebula forms a bubble structure 3 light-years in diameter. The bubble expands at a rate of 100 km/s. Radiation and winds from the central star sculpt the gas into filaments and denser regions.

Ionized gas within the nebula creates a plasma, giving the Bubble Nebula its pinkish color. The compressed and heated gas emits light, making the nebula visible to observers from distances. Molecular clouds within the Bubble Nebula provide fertile environments for star formation.

What is the surface area of the Bubble Nebula?

The surface area of the Bubble Nebula remains uncertain due to challenges in measuring its size. Researchers have estimated the surface area based on diameter assumptions. Astronomers calculate a surface area of 113.1 square light-years assuming a 6 light-year diameter. Scientists estimate 153.9 square light-years for a 7 light-year diameter. A 10 light-year diameter yields a surface area of 314.2 square light-years. The estimate of 706.9 square light-years corresponds to a 15 light-year diameter. The Bubble Nebula is spherical in shape, allowing for these surface area calculations. Ongoing research and debates continue regarding the exact dimensions of this nebula.

What is at the center of the Bubble Nebula?

A star called BD+602522 sits at the Bubble Nebula’s center. This Wolf-Rayet star has 45 times the Sun’s mass. The star ionizes surrounding gas shells, creating the nebula’s bubble shape. BD+602522 ranks as one of the galaxy’s luminous stars, powering the nebula’s glow.

BD+60°2522 is over 40 times more massive than our Sun and 100,000 times brighter. The star has a surface temperature of 45,000 Kelvin, hotter than the Sun’s 5,500 Kelvin. BD+60°2522 is positioned off-center within the nebula, near the edge of the expanding shell.

The star plays a role in shaping and powering the Bubble Nebula. BD+60°2522’s radiation and powerful stellar winds ionize the surrounding shell of gas, composed of hydrogen and helium. The ionized gas creates the bubble shape of the nebula and fuels the emission of light we observe. The expanding shell of gas is driven outward by the star’s radiation and winds at a speed of around 100 km/s, resulting in a nebula 6 light-years in diameter.