Hubble Spots Reflection Nebula in Taurus Molecular Cloud
Astronomers using the NASA / ESA Hubble Spatial Telescope produced an exceptional image of the GN 04.32.8 reflection nebula.
This Hubble image shows GN 04.32.8, a reflection nebula at around 480 light years in the constellation of the bull. The color composite has been assembled from visible and close infrared images. It is based on the data obtained via two filters. The color results from the allocation of different shades to each monochromatic image associated with an individual filter. Image credit: NASA / ESA / Hubble / G. Duchêne.
GN 04.32.8 is located about 480 light years in the constellation of the bull.
Also known as DG 41, it is a small part of the stellar nursery known as the molecular cloud of the bull.
“The nebulae of reflection are clouds of dust in space which do not emit their own light, as the other nebulae do,” said Hubble astronomers in a press release.
“Instead, the light of neighboring stars strikes and disperses with their dust, lighting them up.”
“Due to the way in which light is dispersed, many reflection nebulae tends to appear blue, GN 04.32.8 included.”
GN 04.32.8 is illuminated by a system of three light stars in the center of the Hubble image, mainly the V1025 Tauri star variable in the center.
“One of these stars rides part of the nebula: it is another variable star which is called HP Tauri, but is classified as a Tauri star, for its similarity with another variable star elsewhere in the molecular complex of the bull,” said astronomers.
“The stars t Tauri are very active chaotic stars at an early stage of their evolution, it is therefore not surprising that they appear in a prolific stellar nursery like this.”
“The three stars are also called HP Tau, HP Tau G2 and HP Tau G3; they would be linked to gravitation, forming a triple system.”
“Viewers in the Eagle eyes could notice the small crushed orange spot, just to the left of the center under the clouds of the nebula, crossed by a dark line,” said the researchers.
“It is a newly formed protostar, hidden in a protoplanetary disc which hinders part of its light.”
“Because the disc is paid for us, it is an ideal candidate for the study.”
“We use Hubble here to examine it carefully, seeking to find out more about the types of exoplanets that could be trained in discs like this.”
