Exposed Cranium Nebula
Sig13 013

Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/J. Hora (Harvard-Smithsonian CfA)

Observation • October 28th, 2013 • sig13-013

sig13-013

The brain-like orb called PMR 1 has been nicknamed the "Exposed Cranium" nebula by Spitzer scientists. This planetary nebula, located roughly 5,000 light-years away in the Vela constellation, is host to a hot, massive dying star that is rapidly disintegrating, losing its mass. The nebula's insides, which appear mushy and red in this view, are made up primarily of ionized gas, while the outer green shell is cooler, consisting of glowing hydrogen molecules.

In this image, infrared light at wavelengths of 3.6 microns is rendered in blue, 4.5 microns in green, and 8.0 microns in red.

About the Object

Name
PMR1PN G272.8+01.0Exposed Cranium Nebula
Type
Nebula > Type > Planetary
Distance
5,000 Light Years

Color Mapping

Band Wavelength Telescope
Infrared 3.6 µm Spitzer IRAC
Infrared 4.5 µm Spitzer IRAC
Infrared 8.0 µm Spitzer MIPS

Astrometrics

Position ()
RA =9h 28m 40.9s
Dec = -49° 36' 26.6"
Field of View
5.5 x 5.5 arcminutes
Orientation
North is 62.4° right of vertical