Abell 39
Nebula in the constellation Hercules
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Central star
Its central star is slightly west of center by about 2″ or 0.1 light-years. This offset does not appear to be due to interaction with the interstellar medium, but instead, it is hypothesized that a small asymmetric mass ejection has accelerated the central star. The mass of the central star is estimated to be about 0.61 M☉ with the material in the planetary nebula comprising an additional 0.6 M☉.
This planetary nebula has a nearly uniform spherical shell. However, the eastern limb of the nebula is 50% more luminous than the western limb. Additionally, irregularities in the surface brightness are seen across the face of the shell. The source of the east–west asymmetry is not known but it could be related to the offset of the central star.
The central star is classified as a subdwarf O star with surface temperature of 8900 K.
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Structure and composition
The bright rim of the planetary nebula has an average thickness of about 10.1″, or an absolute size of about 0.19 light-years. There is a faint halo that extends about 18″ beyond the bright rim giving a complete diameter of around 190″ under the assumption that this emission is uniform around the planetary nebula.
This planetary nebula has been expanding for an estimated 11,000 years, based on an assumed expansion velocity between 32 and 37 km/s and a 0.4 parsec radius.
Background galaxies are visible near the nebula, and some can be seen through it.
Oxygen is only about half as abundant in the nebula as it is in our own sun.