The Crystal Ball Nebula (NGC 1514), located in the constellation Taurus, is a mesmerizing planetary nebula formed from the ejected outer layers of a dying star. At its heart lies a binary star system, with the central star—a bright, hot white dwarf—illuminating the surrounding shells of gas and creating the nebula's ethereal glow.

What makes NGC 1514 particularly striking is its unique appearance: instead of the typical spherical shape of many planetary nebulae, it exhibits a complex structure of overlapping shells and filaments. These features result from the interactions between the stellar winds of the central stars and the surrounding interstellar medium.

Image Description and Details : NGC 1514 is a planetary nebula in the constellation Taurus. It is also known as the Crystal Ball Nebula. It is 1520 light years from Earth. The nebula originated from a binary star system with the designation HD 281679 from the Henry Draper Catalogue. The bright, visible component is a giant star, while the nebula-generating companion is now a hot, sub-luminous O-type star. The two have one of the longest known orbits for any planetary nebula, with a period of about 9 years.
Captured on my remote observatory in Spain.
Scopes: APM TMB LZOS 152 Refractors
Cameras: QSI6120wsg8
Mounts: 10Micron GM2000 HPS
A total of 35 hours (HaOIIIRGB)

Copyright: Copyright: Peter Goodhew

Image Description and Details :

It was discovered by William Herschel on November 13, 1790, describing it as "a most singular phenomenon" and forcing him to rethink his ideas on the construction of the heavensTelescope Astrosib RC 20" + camera FLI Kepler 4040Total HaLRGB=32h57mn each frame 3mn,no guidingThe skyX + Pixinsight In remote from fregenal de la sierra (Spain)



Copyright Information: Georges Chassaigne