UAE Astronomers Capture Stunning Image of Thor’s Helmet Nebula

UAE Astronomers Capture Thor’s Helmet Nebula

The Al Hatham Observatory in Abu Dhabi has revealed a remarkable image of the NGC 2359 nebula, often referred to as the "Thor’s Helmet." Located 15,000 light-years from Earth in the constellation Canis Major, this nebula is named for its shape, which resembles the helmet of the Norse god Thor.

Scientists indicate that the Thor’s Helmet Nebula is currently in a pre-supernova phase. The gases within it are expanding at speeds of 10 to 30 kilometers per second, and the nebula is estimated to be between 80,000 and 240,000 years old.

The image was captured with a 14-inch telescope using hydrogen (green), oxygen (blue), and sulfur (red) filters, with an exposure time of approximately 14 hours.