Ant Nebula

SPACE

“ Normally, once a star reaches the end of its life, it violently expels gas into the void of space”

Not really a giant space insect (so don’t worry), the Ant Nebula is possibly shaped this way due to magnetic infl uences

Exploring the Ant Nebula

Why this fascinating view offers an insight into what our Sun may become

The Ant Nebula is one of the most intriguing phenomena in our galaxy. Around two light years in diameter it is located around 3,000 light years away from our Solar System, in the constellation of Norma.

The nebula is the result of the death of a star similar to our Sun, but what has intrigued astronomers across the globe is the peculiar shape it has taken on. With a bulge either side of the star, the nebula resembles an ant, the two lobes looking like the head and thorax.

Scientists still aren’t 100 per cent sure as to how this space insect formed. Normally, once a star reaches the end of its life, it violently expels gas into the void of space. However, the Ant Nebula hasn’t managed to entirely let go of its gaseous material. Some theories as to why this unique event has occurred include a second, hidden star orbiting Menzel 3 (the proper name for the Ant Nebula), holding the gas in close proximity. Another theory suggests that the star itself is holding the gas close with its own magnetic fi eld. The rotation of the star causes the magnetic fi eld to fl uctuate, but without letting the gas get too far away.

One of the other reasons for keeping a close eye on Menzel 3 is to get an insight of what might happen to our Sun when it starts to die, some 5 billion years from now. Interestingly close examination of the nebula shows a controlled, symmetrical pattern of fl owing gas – very different from the chaotic swirls that scientists would expect to see.