gum-nebula | space-encyclopedia

Space Travel

22, May, 2012

Space exploration began with the launch of Sputnik and Astrophysics was born as the application of physics to the phenomena observed by Astronomy, which etymologically means laws of the stars.

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Term	Definition
Gum Nebula	A large, circular emission nebula in the southern constellations Vela and Puppis, discovered by an Australian astronomer, Colin Gum. The nebula is 30° across, which is equivalent to a diameter of 800 light years at its distance of 1,300 light years. It is thought to be the result of ionization of the interstellar medium caused by a supernova that exploded perhaps a million years ago. This would mean that there is no longer a source of energy, and the nebula is now gradually fading as ionized hydrogen recombines and ceases to be luminous.

Term

Definition

Gum Nebula

A large, circular emission nebula in the southern constellations Vela and Puppis, discovered by an Australian astronomer, Colin Gum. The nebula is 30° across, which is equivalent to a diameter of 800 light years at its distance of 1,300 light years. It is thought to be the result of ionization of the interstellar medium caused by a supernova that exploded perhaps a million years ago. This would mean that there is no longer a source of energy, and the nebula is now gradually fading as ionized hydrogen recombines and ceases to be luminous.