Abu Dhabi Observatory Captures Image of Thor’s Helmet Nebula
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The Al Khatem Astronomical Observatory in Abu Dhabi has captured an extraordinary image of the “Thor’s Helmet” Nebula, also known as NGC2359. Named for its resemblance to the helmet worn by Thor in movies and novels, the nebula was observed in the Canis Major constellation, 15,000 light years from Earth.
What is Thor’s Helmet Nebula
The “Thor’s Helmet” Nebula is an emission nebula made of gas, primarily hydrogen and oxygen. At the center of the nebula is a red star, which is extremely hot—280,000 times brighter and 16 times more massive than the sun. The nebula is currently in the pre-supernova stage, with stellar winds interacting with the surrounding gas to form its unique helmet shape.
The Image Details
Captured with a 14-inch telescope, the image was taken over 14 hours using hydrogen (green), oxygen (blue), and sulfur (red) filters. A total of 276 images were taken, each with a three-minute exposure.
Nebula’s Expansion and Age
Research indicates the nebula is expanding at a rate of 10 to 30 kilometers per second, estimating its age between 80,000 to 240,000 years. The observatory’s detailed image offers a fascinating view of this distant nebula from the Abu Dhabi desert.