Emission nebula | |
---|---|
Planetary nebula | |
Observation data: J2000 epoch | |
Right ascension | 05h 03m 07.53s[1][2] |
Declination | −15° 36′ 22.7″[1][2] |
Distance | 1.8 kly (0.55 kpc) ly |
Apparent magnitude (V) | Integrated: 12.2–14.3;[3] Central star: 15.4[2] |
Apparent dimensions (V) | 12.733′ × 12.733′[1][2] |
Constellation | Lepus (constellation) |
Physical characteristics | |
Radius | 8 ly (2.5 pc) ly |
Notable features | Simple spherical shape |
Designations | PK 215-30.1, PN G 215.5-30.8 |
Abell 7 is a faint planetary nebula located 1800 light-years away in the constellation of Lepus. It has a generally spherical shape about 8 light-years in diameter. Within the sphere are complex details that are brought out by narrowband filters. Abell 7 is estimated to be only 20,000 years old, but the central star, a fading white dwarf, is estimated to be some 10 billion years old.[3][4][5]