Abell 72 – The Ghostly Nebula in Delphinus
In the modest constellation of Delphinus, about 6,500 light-years away, lies one of the most enigmatic and elusive planetary nebulae of the deep sky: Abell 72. Cataloged by George Abell in 1966, it belongs to the group of planetary nebulae with low surface brightness, making it a challenge for visual observation but a true treasure for advanced astrophotography.
The Sunset of a Star
Abell 72 is the result of the final stage in the life of a Sun-like star. After exhausting its nuclear fuel, the star expelled its outer layers, which today form a diffuse halo of ionized gas. At its center remains the stellar core in the form of a very hot white dwarf, whose ultraviolet radiation faintly illuminates the surrounding envelope.
What stands out most about this nebula is its diffuse and extended structure, with an irregular shape that resembles a ghostly cloud more than the well-defined patterns of other planetary nebulae. For this reason, long exposures and narrowband filters are required to reveal its hidden details.
📸 Images from LilTecan
The astronomical team at LilTecan has captured Abell 72 using LRGB and OIII filters, allowing us to highlight the gaseous composition of this delicate nebula.
- LRGB: reveals background galaxies and the color of stars.
- OIII (Doubly ionized Oxygen): provides the characteristic bluish-green glow common in planetary nebulae.
By combining these images, we obtain a deep and detailed view of Abell 72, uncovering its complex internal structures and its interaction with the surrounding interstellar medium.
✨ Science and Cosmic Beauty
The study of nebulae such as Abell 72 helps us understand how intermediate-mass stars enrich the interstellar medium with heavy elements, a fundamental process in the chemical evolution of the galaxy. Moreover, its faint brightness reminds us that the universe is filled with wonders that only patience and technology can unveil.
Abell 72 is a perfect example of how even the most modest deep-sky objects hold extraordinary beauty and scientific value.