Celestial hemisphere:  Northern  ·  Constellation: Gemini (Gem)  ·  Contains:  NGC 2371  ·  NGC 2372  ·  PK189+19.1
NGC 2371 Gemini Planetary Nebula, rdhand
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NGC 2371 Gemini Planetary Nebula

NGC 2371 Gemini Planetary Nebula, rdhand
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NGC 2371 Gemini Planetary Nebula

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Description

NGC 2371/NGC 2372 is a planetary nebula often called the Gemini Nebula.  It confused astronomers when it was first studied.  It was instead recorded as two objects 2371/2372, owing to its symmetrical two lobed structure.  It is about 4,300 light-years away.  The remnant star visible at the center is the hot core of the former red giant.  Stripped of its outer layers its  surface temperature is 240,000 degrees Fahrenheit.  In only a few thousand years the nebula will dissipate into space. The central star will then gradually cool down, eventually becoming a white dwarf.

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NGC 2371 Gemini Planetary Nebula, rdhand

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Cloudy Nights

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Planetary Nebula