JOURNAL ARTICLE

A Tricky "Blue" Snowball: What color do you see in this Andromeda planetary nebula?

  • Published In: Sky & Telescope, 2026, v. 151, n. 1. P. 12 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: O’Meara, Stephen James 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on the planetary nebula NGC 7662, commonly known as the Blue Snowball, and explores its visual characteristics and color perception. Located approximately 5,700 light-years away, the nebula's color is influenced by its emission lines, primarily from doubly ionized oxygen, which may appear greenish blue rather than distinctly blue. Observations by astronomers, including historical accounts from John Herschel and William Huggins, highlight the challenges in viewing the nebula's details, particularly its central star, which may require high magnification to discern. The article encourages amateur astronomers to explore the nebula's features and consider the factors affecting their observations. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Sky & Telescope. 2026/01, Vol. 151, Issue 1, p12
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:History
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:0037-6604
  • Accession Number:190869328
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