AAPOD2 Image Archives
The Sting Ray Nebula
The Sting Ray Nebula, also known as Hen 3-1357, is a young planetary nebula located in the direction of the southern constellation Ara. What makes this celestial wonder particularly intriguing is its unique shape, resembling the graceful wings of a stingray. Formed from the outer layers of a dying star that has shed its material into space, the nebula showcases intricate patterns of ionized gas and dust, illuminated by the central, hot remnant of the star. The Sting Ray Nebula is relatively young on astronomical timescales, providing astronomers with a valuable opportunity to study the early stages of planetary nebula formation. Its captivating structure and youthful appearance make it a compelling subject for amateur astronomers and a source of scientific fascination in the exploration of stellar evolution.