NGC 2438
| Emission nebula | |
|---|---|
| Planetary nebula | |
 NGC 2438 | |
| Observation data: J2000.0 epoch | |
| Right ascension | 07h 41.8m |
| Declination | -14° 44′ |
| Distance | 2,900 ly ly |
| Apparent magnitude (V) | +10.8 |
| Apparent dimensions (V) | 1.1 arcmins |
| Constellation | Puppis |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Radius | - ly |
| Absolute magnitude (V) | - |
| Notable features | Superimposed on Messier 46 |
| Designations | H IV.39, FC 87, PK 231+4.2 |
NGC 2438 is a planetary nebula about 3,000 light years away in the constellation Puppis.[1] It was discovered by William Herschel on March 19, 1786.[2] NGC 2438 appears to lie within the cluster M46, but it is most likely unrelated since it does not share the cluster's radial velocity.[3][4] The case is yet another example of a superposed pair, joining the famed case of NGC 2818.[3][5]
Long exposures have shown that this planetary nebula has an extended double halo,[6] while the more easily visible portion probably dates to the death of the red giant in its center.[2]
Central star
The central star of this planetary nebula is a 17.7-magnitude white dwarf,[2] with surface temperature of about 75,000 K (74,700 °C).[7] It is one of the hottest stars known.
Gallery
See also
References
- ^ Nemiroff, R.; Bonnell, J., eds. (2011-04-07). "Planetary Nebula NGC 2438". Astronomy Picture of the Day. NASA. Retrieved 2011-04-08.
- ^ a b c "NGC Objects: NGC 2400 - 2449". Retrieved 2011-04-08.
- ^ a b Majaess D. J., Turner D., Lane D. (2007). In Search of Possible Associations between Planetary Nebulae and Open Clusters, PASP, 119, 1349
- ^ Kiss, L. L., Szabó, Gy. M., Balog, Z., Parker, Q. A., Frew, D. J. (2008). AAOmega radial velocities rule out current membership of the planetary nebula NGC 2438 in the open cluster M46, MNRAS
- ^ Mermilliod, J.-C., Clariá, J. J., Andersen, J., Piatti, A. E., Mayor, M. (2001). Red giants in open clusters. IX. NGC 2324, 2818, 3960 and 6259, A&A
- ^ "NGC 2438". SEDS. Retrieved 2011-04-08.
- ^ "Planetary Nebula NGC 2438 in Puppis". Retrieved 2011-04-08.
External links