description Cheerio Nebula Overview
The Cheerio Nebula, catalogued as NGC 6337, is a planetary nebula in the constellation Scorpius. Its bright material forms a conspicuous ring around a fainter central region, giving the object the circular appearance behind its informal name. The nebula consists of gas expelled by an evolved star, and observations of its central binary system help explain the shaping of its ring-like and bipolar structure.
help Cheerio Nebula FAQ
Why is NGC 6337 called the Cheerio Nebula?
NGC 6337 is a planetary nebula in Scorpius whose bright gas forms a conspicuous ring. Its circular appearance resembles a breakfast cereal ring, leading to the informal name Cheerio Nebula.
Is the Cheerio Nebula a galaxy?
No. NGC 6337 is a planetary nebula, a shell of gas expelled by a dying star, not a galaxy or planet-forming disk.
What is at the center of NGC 6337?
The nebula has a faint central region surrounding a central stellar system. Astronomers have modeled NGC 6337 as having a close binary nucleus, which helps explain its complex ring and outflow structure.
Where should I look for NGC 6337?
It is located in the constellation Scorpius, so it is best viewed when Scorpius is above the horizon from a suitable location. Its ring structure is much easier to study through an astronomical image or telescope than with unaided eyes.
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