The Ghost Nebula (IMAGE)

ESA/Hubble Information Centre

The Ghost Nebula

Caption

IC 63 -- nicknamed the Ghost Nebula -- is about 550 light-years from Earth. The nebula is classified as both a reflection nebula -- as it is reflecting the light of a nearby star -- and as an emission nebula -- as it releases hydrogen-alpha radiation. Both effects are caused by the gigantic star Gamma Cassiopeiae. The radiation of this star is also slowly causing the nebula to dissipate.

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ESA/Hubble, NASA

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