description NGC 6905 (Blue Flash) Overview
NGC 6905, commonly called the Blue Flash Nebula, is a planetary nebula in the constellation Delphinus. It is the glowing shell of gas expelled by a dying intermediate-mass star, illuminated by the hot stellar remnant at its center. The object has a compact, elongated appearance in amateur and professional observations, and its blue-green visual impression reflects the emission from ionized gas. It is studied as an example of late stellar evolution.
help NGC 6905 (Blue Flash) FAQ
Why is NGC 6905 called the Blue Flash Nebula?
NGC 6905 is called the Blue Flash Nebula because its compact planetary-nebula disk can appear blue-green in astronomical images and telescopic views. It lies in the constellation Delphinus.
Who discovered NGC 6905?
William Herschel discovered NGC 6905 in 1784 during his systematic observations of the night sky. The object was later included in the New General Catalogue under the designation NGC 6905.
Is the Blue Flash Nebula a planet-forming nebula?
No. NGC 6905 is a planetary nebula, meaning it is the glowing shell expelled by a dying star, not a cloud where planets are forming. The historical name planetary nebula came from its planet-like appearance in early telescopes.
What kind of telescope is useful for viewing NGC 6905?
NGC 6905 is a compact, relatively faint deep-sky object, so a telescope and dark sky are more useful than unaided eyesight. A narrowband filter can sometimes improve the contrast of a planetary nebula against the surrounding sky.
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