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2024, April 2024 Charles Lillo 2024, April 2024 Charles Lillo

A deep dive into GK Persei's hidden planetary nebulae

GK Persei, also known as Nova Persei 1901, is a cataclysmic variable star system located in the constellation Perseus. This celestial object is famous for its historical outburst in 1901 when it briefly became one of the brightest stars in the sky. The remnants of this event include a fascinating planetary nebula, shrouded in the surrounding interstellar material.

This remarkable image of GK Persei's hidden planetary nebula showcases the intricate details of its structure, achieved through an unprecedented integration time of 265 hours. This extensive observation period, the longest ever conducted on GK Persei, has unveiled the subtle nuances of the nebula's morphology, highlighting intricate filaments and regions of ionized gas.

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2023, August 2023, 2023 Monthly Winners Charles Lillo 2023, August 2023, 2023 Monthly Winners Charles Lillo

Unveiling hidden features in M51 using 255hours

In a mesmerizing display of cosmic interaction, the Whirlpool Galaxy, also known as M51, unveiled its spiraling arms and intricate features in a stunning astronomical photo that resulted from a 255-Hour Collaboration! This captivating galaxy, located in the constellation Canes Venatici, stood as a prime example of a grand design spiral, with its graceful arms adorned by bright knots of star formation. The exquisite interaction between M51 and its smaller companion galaxy, NGC 5195, was showcased in this image, demonstrating the profound influence of gravitational forces in shaping the evolution of galaxies. The intricate details of M51's structure offered a window into the marvels of galactic dynamics, inviting us to contemplate the vast and ever-evolving tapestry of the universe.

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