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2024, June 2024 Charles Lillo 2024, June 2024 Charles Lillo

Longmore-Tritton 5 (LoTr 5) Planetary Nebula

Longmore-Tritton 5, commonly known as LoTr 5, is a fascinating planetary nebula located in the constellation Coma Berenices. LoTr 5 is an expansive nebula, extending over 15 light-years across, making it one of the largest planetary nebulae known. The nebula's central star, an aging red giant, has shed its outer layers, creating a complex structure of glowing gas. The core remnant of the star, now a hot white dwarf, illuminates the ejected material, producing the characteristic luminescence observed in planetary nebulae.

LoTr 5 is particularly notable for its unusual morphology and large size, which suggest it has undergone significant interactions with the interstellar medium. This interaction creates an intricate pattern of knots and filaments within the nebula, visible in detailed astrophotographic images. The study of such planetary nebulae provides valuable insights into the late stages of stellar evolution and the processes by which stars enrich the interstellar medium with heavy elements, contributing to the cycle of star formation in the galaxy.

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