zoom_in Click to enlarge

NGC 2371-2372

▲ ▼

description NGC 2371-2372 Overview

NGC 2371-2372 is a bipolar planetary nebula located in the constellation Gemini, recognized by its distinct, double-lobed structure. Because of its unique appearance, its two lobes were historically cataloged as separate objects, NGC 2371 and NGC 2372. The nebula was discovered by astronomer William Herschel and represents the ejected outer layers of a dying star, making it a popular target for amateur astronomers.

help NGC 2371-2372 FAQ

What kind of celestial object is NGC 2371-2372?

NGC 2371-2372 is a bipolar planetary nebula located in the constellation Gemini. It is characterized by its distinct double-lobed structure, which resembles two separate objects when viewed through a telescope.

Who discovered the NGC 2371-2372 nebula?

The nebula was discovered by the renowned German-British astronomer William Herschel. Its unique appearance led to it being assigned two different NGC numbers for what appeared to be its two distinct lobes.

How far away is the NGC 2371-2372 planetary nebula from Earth?

NGC 2371-2372 is located thousands of light-years away within our Milky Way galaxy. Because of its distance and relatively faint magnitude, it is a popular but challenging target for amateur astrophotographers using larger telescopes.

What causes the double-lobed shape in nebulae like NGC 2371-2372?

The striking double-lobed shape is created when a dying star sheds its outer layers of gas into space, often directed by the star's magnetic fields or a binary companion. As the central star becomes a white dwarf, the illuminated gas forms the symmetric lobes seen in this specific structure.

swap_horiz

Looking for NGC 2371-2372 alternatives? Compare top competitors ranked & scored

arrow_forward