description Sh2-68 Overview
Sh2-68 is a faint planetary nebula in the constellation Serpens. Its unusual appearance includes a compact, brighter region and a long, diffuse tail, giving it a comet-like form. This structure is interpreted as the result of the nebula's motion through the surrounding interstellar medium, which compresses material on its leading side and distorts the older, expanding gas behind it.
help Sh2-68 FAQ
Why does Sh2-68 look like a comet?
Sh2-68 has a compact bright region followed by a long, faint tail. Its comet-like appearance is linked to the nebula moving through surrounding interstellar material.
What type of object is Sh2-68?
Sh2-68 is a faint planetary nebula. It lies in the constellation Serpens and consists of gas expelled by an evolved star.
Is Sh2-68 a real comet?
No. Sh2-68 is an emission nebula, not a Solar System comet. Its tail-like shape is a large-scale feature of ionized gas.
Why is Sh2-68 difficult to observe?
Sh2-68 is faint and has a diffuse tail, so it requires a dark sky and suitable observing equipment. Its low surface brightness makes it harder to see than bright compact nebulae.
explore Explore More
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
