Abell 48

Abell 48
Emission nebula
Planetary nebula
Abell 48, imaged by Jerry Macon
Observation data: J2000.0 epoch
Right ascension18h 42m 46.921s[1]
Declination−3° 13′ 17.3″[1]
Distance14,889.41[2] ly
Apparent magnitude (V)17.8[3]
Apparent dimensions (V)0.7 by 0.7 arcmin
ConstellationAquila
Physical characteristics
Radius1.05 ly
Absolute magnitude (V)−1.34
Notable featurescontains a rare [WN] central star
DesignationsPK 029-00.1, PN G 029.0+00.4, Abel 36, WR 120-6 (central star), [GKF2010] MN50, IRAS 18401-0316, Gaia DR2 4258557110213184896
See also: Lists of nebulae

Abell 48 is a planetary nebula likely located around 14,000 light years away[1] in the constellation of Aquila. It is noteworthy among planetary nebulae for hosting a rare WN-type Wolf-Rayet-type central star, a [WN4]-type star, which was once thought to be a bona-fide Wolf-Rayet star,[4] and received the name WR 120–6.[5] The nebula is made up of two rings surrounding the central star, and is heavily reddened, with an E(B-V) value of 2.14 and a visual extinction of 6.634 magnitudes, which is why it appears so dim.[6]

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