Thor's Helmet Nebula (NGC 2259)
A bright nebula that surrounds, and has been blown off by the Wolf-Rayet star GSC 5407:3417 – the brightest star visible within the nebulosity. Although similar in nature to the Bubble Nebula, interactions with a nearby large molecular cloud are thought to have contributed to the more complex shape and curved bow-shock structure of Thor's Helmet. It measures some 30 light-years across and lies in the constellation Canis Major.
| size |
8' × 8' |
| distance |
about 15,000 light-years |
| position |
R.A. 07h 18m 36.0s
Dec: -13° 12' 00" |
Related category
• NEBULAE AND STAR CLUSTERS
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