Celestial hemisphere:  Northern  ·  Constellation: Ursa Major (UMa)  ·  Contains:  M 97  ·  NGC 3587  ·  Owl Nebula  ·  PK148+57.1
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M97 Owl Nebula, Hunter Outten
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M97 Owl Nebula, Hunter Outten
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Description

The Owl Nebula, also known as Messier 97 (M97), is a planetary nebula located in Ursa Major. The nebula lies at an approximate distance of 2,030 light years from Earth. It is known for its distinctive shape, resembling a pair of owl-like eyes, that can be seen in larger telescopes.The estimated age of the Owl Nebula is about 8,000 years. The nebula has the designation NGC 3587 in the New General Catalogue.

The Owl Nebula was formed when a central star expelled its outer gaseous layers about 8,000 years ago. As the outer layers were gradually blown off over thousands of years, what was left of the original star contracted to form a hot white dwarf.

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M97 Owl Nebula, Hunter Outten