A bipolar nebula is a type of nebula characterized by two lobes either side of a central star. About 10-20% of
planetary nebulae are bipolar.[2]
Formation
Though the exact causes of this nebular structure are not known, it is often thought to imply the presence of a binary central star with a period of a few days to a few years. As one of the two stars expelled its outer layers, the other disrupted the outflow of material to form the bipolar shape.[3]
Examples
Planetary Nebula M2-9, otherwise known as the Twin Jet Nebula or the Wings of a Butterfly Nebula, is a bipolar nebula.
^López, J.A; Vazquez, R.; Rodriguez, L.F. (10 December 1995). "The discovery of a bipolar, rotating, episodic jet (BRET) in the planetary nebula KjPn 8". The Astrophysical Journal. 455: L63–L66.
doi:
10.1086/309801.
A bipolar nebula is a type of nebula characterized by two lobes either side of a central star. About 10-20% of
planetary nebulae are bipolar.[2]
Formation
Though the exact causes of this nebular structure are not known, it is often thought to imply the presence of a binary central star with a period of a few days to a few years. As one of the two stars expelled its outer layers, the other disrupted the outflow of material to form the bipolar shape.[3]
Examples
Planetary Nebula M2-9, otherwise known as the Twin Jet Nebula or the Wings of a Butterfly Nebula, is a bipolar nebula.
^López, J.A; Vazquez, R.; Rodriguez, L.F. (10 December 1995). "The discovery of a bipolar, rotating, episodic jet (BRET) in the planetary nebula KjPn 8". The Astrophysical Journal. 455: L63–L66.
doi:
10.1086/309801.