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I read that Thor's helmet (NGC 2359) is in a pre-supernova stage, but there is an emissions nebula around it. How this possible if the star is hasn't gone supernova?
mgb_phys said:Don't know the specific object but giant stars lose their outer envelopes in the late stages of evolution.
Thor's Helmet is a nebula located in the southern constellation of Canis Major. It is a large, complex emission nebula that spans approximately 30 light years in diameter.
Thor's Helmet is believed to have formed from the stellar winds of a massive star that was nearing the end of its life. These winds interacted with surrounding gas and dust, creating the intricate structures and shapes seen in the nebula.
Thor's Helmet is unique in that it appears to have a "bubble" or helmet-like shape, hence its name. This is due to the powerful stellar winds colliding with the surrounding material, creating a dense shell of gas and dust.
No, Thor's Helmet is not a supernova remnant. While it is believed that the central star of the nebula may have been a supernova, the nebula itself is still in its pre-supernova stage.
No, Thor's Helmet is not visible to the naked eye. It can only be observed with telescopes or high-powered binoculars.