Difference between revisions of "Double Helix nebula"
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| − | The ''' | + | The '''Double Helix nebula''', not to be confused with the [[Helix nebula]], is a [[diffuse nebula]] known for its double helix structure, similar to [[DNA]].<ref name=nasa>[https://www.nasa.gov/vision/universe/starsgalaxies/milkyway_twist.html Scientists Report an Odd Twist Near Milky Way Center] from nasa.gov</ref> The nebula is situated 300 light years from the centre of the [[Milky Way|galaxy]]. It is 80 [[light year]]s long and the two columns of [[gas]] and dust perform 1.25 full turns.<ref name=nasa/><ref name=arxiv>Morris, M., Uchida, K. and Do, T. (2006). A magnetic torsional wave near the Galactic Centre traced by a ‘double helix’ nebula. ''Nature'', 440(7082), pp.308-310. [https://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0512452 arXiv:astro-ph/0512452]</ref> The nebula has been observed in the [[infrared]] by the [[Spitzer Space Telescope]] due to the obscuring effects of intervening [[dust]]. |
| − | The nebula's unique structure is thought to be the result of a "torsional Alfven wave" and strong [[magnetic field]]s near the centre of the Mily Way.<ref name=arxiv/><ref>[https://www.space.com/2157-cosmic-dna-double-helix-spotted-space.html Cosmic 'DNA': Double Helix Spotted in Space] from space.com</ref> These fields are thought to be on the order of 1,000 stronger where the | + | The nebula's unique structure is thought to be the result of a "torsional Alfven wave" and strong [[magnetic field]]s near the centre of the Mily Way.<ref name=arxiv/><ref>[https://www.space.com/2157-cosmic-dna-double-helix-spotted-space.html Cosmic 'DNA': Double Helix Spotted in Space] from space.com</ref> These fields are thought to be on the order of 1,000 stronger where the Double Helix nebula is found than where our own [[Solar System]] is situated. Large numbers of [[red giant|red giant stars]] can be found in this region of space. |
==References== | ==References== | ||
Latest revision as of 14:48, August 14, 2018
| Double Helix nebula | |
|---|---|
| |
| Observational Data | |
| Constellation | Ophiuchus |
| Type of object | Diffuse nebula |
| Astrometry | |
| Distance from Earth | 25,000 ly |
The Double Helix nebula, not to be confused with the Helix nebula, is a diffuse nebula known for its double helix structure, similar to DNA.[1] The nebula is situated 300 light years from the centre of the galaxy. It is 80 light years long and the two columns of gas and dust perform 1.25 full turns.[1][2] The nebula has been observed in the infrared by the Spitzer Space Telescope due to the obscuring effects of intervening dust.
The nebula's unique structure is thought to be the result of a "torsional Alfven wave" and strong magnetic fields near the centre of the Mily Way.[2][3] These fields are thought to be on the order of 1,000 stronger where the Double Helix nebula is found than where our own Solar System is situated. Large numbers of red giant stars can be found in this region of space.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Scientists Report an Odd Twist Near Milky Way Center from nasa.gov
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Morris, M., Uchida, K. and Do, T. (2006). A magnetic torsional wave near the Galactic Centre traced by a ‘double helix’ nebula. Nature, 440(7082), pp.308-310. arXiv:astro-ph/0512452
- ↑ Cosmic 'DNA': Double Helix Spotted in Space from space.com