IRAS 13208-6020

IRAS 13208-2060

Nebula
IRAS 13208-2060, as photographed by the Hubble Space Telescope
Observation data: J2000 epoch
Right ascension	13h 24m 04,40s
Declination	−60° 36′ 30,7″
Constellation	Centaurus

IRAS 13208-6020 is a preplanetary nebula in the constellation Centaurus. These nebulae are formed from material that is shed by a central star. It was first discovered and observed during the IRAS Sky Survey. This is a relatively short-lived phenomenon that gives astronomers an opportunity to watch the early stages of planetary nebula formation, hence the name protoplanetary, or preplanetary nebula.^[1]

Characteristics

IRAS 13208-6020 has a very clear bipolar form, with two very similar outflows of material in opposite directions and a dusty ring around the star. It does not shine, but is instead illuminated by light from the central star. IRAS 13208-6020 is not currently in the planetary nebula stage, and it is assumed to be very early in its lifespan.^[2]

References

1. "IRAS 13208-6020 Archives". Think Research Expose. Retrieved 2024-03-21.
2. [e-mail]. "Hubble watches a celestial prologue". www.spacetelescope.org. Retrieved 2024-03-21.