Abell 33 is a striking planetary nebula located approximately 2,700 light-years away in the constellation Hydra. This nearly perfect sphere of ionized gas, ejected by a dying star, is one of the more visually striking planetary nebulae due to its symmetry and the presence of a foreground star near its edge. This alignment creates a striking resemblance to a celestial diamond ring, giving the nebula its well-known nickname. The nebula’s distinct blue hue is primarily due to ionized oxygen emissions, a common feature in evolved planetary nebulae.

This image captures the delicate structure of Abell 33, emphasizing its smooth, rounded shell and intricate details in the surrounding ionized gas. High-resolution data and long integration times allow for a clear view of the nebula’s faint outer regions, which are typically difficult to detect. The sharp contrast between the glowing nebula and the bright star in the foreground enhances the illusion of a cosmic engagement ring, making Abell 33 a remarkable example of nature’s ability to create visually stunning celestial objects.

Image Description and Details :

Abell 33 is a spherical planetary nebula located 2700 light years away in the southern constellation of Hydra. It lies just behind the star HD 83535. The star HD 83535 is responsible for the "diamond ring" effect seen in the photograph.Image captured on my dual rig in Spain.Scopes: APM TMB LZOS 152 RefractorsCameras: QSI6120wsg8Mount: 10Micron GM2000 HPSA total of 6.4 hours image capture (OIIILRGB)

Copyright: Peter Goodhew