This object, also known as RCW 107, is an emission nebula located 3700 light years away in the constellation of Norma at a declination of -48 degrees. This nebula spans 7 arc-minutes in our apparent view, which corresponds to an actual diameter of 7 light years.
The bright white central star is clearly visible. This is a rare star type (type O6.5f, one of only 5 known) and is a massive hot bi-polar star. It burns and emits massive quantities of hydrogen. The resulting nebula is an HII region and not a planetary nebula.
How do we know that this is an HII region and not a planetary nebula? Well, visually it is hard to tell the difference. To me, this object looks much like
Sh2-71, which is a planetary nebula. To me, its size of 7 light years gives this object away. It is rare for PNs to exceed 2 light years in size.
I love the intricate details of the nebula, as well as the bright areas at each end. As shown in the mouseover, the bottom bright region of the nebula is known NGC 6164 and the top bright region is known as NGC 6165.
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