Nebula of the Cats eye

Description

NGC 6543 is located almost exactly at the north pole of the ecliptic. Whereas nebula, with a 20 seconds diameter of arc, is rather small, it has a very wide matter halation that the star which generated it ejected during its phase of Géante red. The halation measures 386 seconds of arc (5,8 minutes of arc).

According to the first interpretation, a binary system would be at the origin of nebula. The dynamic effects of two stars turning orbits one around the other of it more easily explain the structure of this nebula, which appears much more complex than the majority of other known planetary nebulas. According to this model, the stellar wind of central star created the lengthened envelope, made dense and luminous gas. This structure is included inside two gas lobes, ejected earlier by this star. These lobes “are gripped” by a denser gas ring, probably ejected in the orbital plan of the companion of central star.

Supposed the companion would be also responsible for a pair of jets of gases ejected at high speed, perpendicular to this equatorial ring. If the companion aspired matter of a close star, of such jets could escape along its axis of rotation.

These jets would explain certain astonishing characteristics observed with the periphery of the gas lobes. With the manner of a current of water meeting a sand heap, the jets compress gases in front of them, thus creating structures in “curlicue” and luminous arcs, observed on the surface of the lobes. The twin jets point now in directions different from that of these structures. Perhaps that means that these jets are in precession and flicker periodically.

See too

Internal bond

List of the objects of the NGC

External bond

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