Wolf-Rayet (6 of these)

Super-massive, super-hot, shedding atmosphere via light-driven stellar wind.

The Gourd, a Wolf-Rayet nebula produced by the bright central star. Four panel mosaic (50% reduced). Total exposure 20 hrs. 3nM OIII filter.<br />
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The resemblance to an ice sculpture of a bottle-nosed dolphin broaching the water is strong.<br />
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The arc of faint diffuse nebulosity at the lower half of the left border seems to be a separate structure, as in wider views it is very extensive and strong in H-alpha.

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The Gourd, a Wolf-Rayet nebula produced by the bright central star. Four panel mosaic (50% reduced). Total exposure 20 hrs. 3nM OIII filter.

The resemblance to an ice sculpture of a bottle-nosed dolphin broaching the water is strong.

The arc of faint diffuse nebulosity at the lower half of the left border seems to be a separate structure, as in wider views it is very extensive and strong in H-alpha.

Gourd nebula SH308 Sharpless 308 SH2308 OIII

Mike and Trish Berthon-Jones Astrophotography at Placidus Observatory

Wolf-Rayet (6 of these)