description Abell 36 Overview
Abell 36 is a faint planetary nebula located in the constellation Virgo, cataloged by astronomer George O. Abell in 1955. It is distinguished by its barrel-shaped structure, which represents the expelled outer layers of a dying star. Estimated to be approximately 10,000 years old, the nebula is often targeted by amateur astronomers because its central star is notably bright and exceptionally hot.
It provides a valuable example of late-stage stellar evolution.
help Abell 36 FAQ
What kind of object is Abell 36?
Abell 36 is a planetary nebula, meaning it is the glowing material expelled by a dying star. It is located in the constellation Virgo.
Why does Abell 36 have a barrel-like shape?
Its barrel-shaped appearance comes from the way the star's outer layers were expelled into space. The nebula is therefore a shell of stellar material rather than a planet-forming disk.
Who cataloged Abell 36?
Astronomer George O. Abell cataloged Abell 36 in 1955. It belongs to the Abell catalog of planetary nebulae.
How old is Abell 36?
Abell 36 is estimated to be approximately 10,000 years old. That age refers to the visible nebular shell produced during the star's late evolution.
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