NGC 40

 

Object Type: Planetary Nebula
Scope: C-9.25" SCT
Exposure 105 minutes

 

 

NGC 40 (also known as the Bow-Tie Nebula and Caldwell 2) is a planetary nebula discovered by W.F.Herschel Nov 25 1788, and is composed of hot gas around a dying star. 

 

The star has ejected its outer layer which has left behind a smaller, hot star with a temperature on the surface of about 50,000 degrees (Celsius). Radiation from the star causes the shed outer layer to heat to about 10,000 degrees (Celsius) and is about one light-year across. 

 

About 30,000 years from now, scientists theorize that NGC 40 will fade away, leaving only a white dwarf star approximately the size of Earth.