Abell 72 – Planetary Nebula

Image Title: Abell 72 – Planetary Nebula

Copyright: David Molina

Date image was taken: June 19, 2025

Location: La Palma Island (Spain)

Data Acquisition Method: Personal Telescope Setup

Description and Details: TS-Optics 300mm/12" Ritchey-Chrétien Pro RC (carbon tube)
Player One Poseidon-M Pro
Twinstar Friction Mount FG80
Antlia Dark Series Blue 36 mm · Antlia Dark Series Green 36 mm · Antlia Dark Series Red 36 mm · Antlia H-alpha 7nm 36 mm · Antlia OIII 7nm 36 mm
TS-Optics 0.8x RC Reducer (TSRCRed)
Antlia Dark Series Blue 36 mm: 20×180,″(1h)
Antlia Dark Series Green 36 mm: 20×180,″(1h)
Antlia Dark Series Red 36 mm: 20×180,″(1h)
Antlia OIII 7nm 36 mm: 24×900,″(6h)
Integration:
9h

Abell 72 is a low surface brightness planetary nebula located in the constellation Delphinus. It is part of the catalog of planetary nebulae compiled by George Abell in 1966 and represents an advanced stage in the evolution of a Sun-like star.
This object, characterized by its diffuse morphology and irregular contours, consists of ionized gas expelled by its progenitor star at the end of its red giant phase. The remaining stellar core—likely a hot white dwarf—is responsible for exciting the surrounding gas, causing it to emit primarily in spectral lines such as [O III].
Abell 72 is a compelling case for studying the dispersal of stellar material into the interstellar medium and the dynamic evolution of aging planetary nebulae, whose structure has become increasingly diffuse over time due to expansion and interaction with the galactic environment.

Name: David Molina

Website or Facebook Profile: http://liltecan.com