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Sh2-216

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description Sh2-216 Overview

Sh2-216 is a large, ancient planetary nebula located in the constellation Perseus. It is catalogued in the Sharpless catalogue of H II regions and is notable for being among the nearest known planetary nebulae to Earth, at an estimated distance of approximately 129 parsecs (about 420 light-years). Its advanced age and low surface brightness make it difficult to observe visually. The nebula represents a late stage of stellar evolution where a dying star has shed its outer layers into surrounding space.

help Sh2-216 FAQ

What is Sh2-216?

Sh2-216 is a very large, old planetary nebula in the constellation Perseus. It is listed in the Sharpless catalogue, which catalogs emission nebulae and related H II regions.

How far away is Sh2-216?

Sh2-216 is commonly estimated to be around 130 parsecs away, or roughly 420 light-years. Distance estimates can vary with the data and method used, so the figure should be treated as approximate.

Why is Sh2-216 important to astronomers?

It is considered one of the nearest known planetary nebulae and has a very extended, faint shell. Its age and low surface brightness make it useful for studying the late stages of stellar evolution.

What kind of object created Sh2-216?

A planetary nebula forms when a low- or intermediate-mass star sheds its outer layers near the end of its life. The glowing shell is illuminated by the hot stellar remnant left at its center, not by a planet.

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