Sh 2-71

Sharpless 2-71

Nebula
Image of Sh 2-71 Nebula, as seen by the Gemini Observatory
Observation data: epoch
Right ascension	19h 01m 00s
Declination	+02° 09' 23"
Distance	1050  pc
Constellation	Aquila
Physical characteristics
Absolute magnitude (V)	12.3
Dimensions	2.5' x 1.3'
Designations	LBN 103, PN G035.9-01.1 , Sh 2-71, Min 1-90, V-V 1-9
See also: Lists of nebulae

Sh 2-71 is a planetary Nebula in the constellation of Aquila. It is notable for its highly irregular and complex morphology, which has been attributed to interactions within a binary star system, however it is believed the shape and structure of the nebula is formed partially because of a triple star system that has since ejected its third member. ^{[1] [2] [3]} The nebula exhibits a broad, asymmetrical ring structure with bipolar lobes and extended emission regions, challenging traditional models of planetary nebula formation driven by single or binary stars. Sh 2-71 is a benchmark object for studying the influence of multiple-star dynamics on the late stages of stellar evolution. ^[4]

Discovery

It was discovered by Rudolph Minkowski in 1946. It was cataloged by Stewart Sharpless in 1959, who thought it was a possible planetary nebula. In 1961, it was confirmed as a planetary nebula by Boris Vorontsov-Velyaminov. ^{[5] [6] [7]}

Morphology

A 2022 morpho-kinematic study using the SHAPE software modeled its 3D structure from Gemini GMOS images, the HASH Planetary Nebula Database, DSS plates, and high-resolution long-slit spectra from the San Pedro Mártir Kinematic Catalogue. ^[8]

References

1. Jones, David; Pejcha, Ondřej; Corradi, Romano L M (2019-10-21). "On the triple-star origin of the planetary nebula Sh 2-71". Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. 489 (2): 2195–2203. doi: 10.1093/mnras/stz2293 . ISSN   0035-8711.
2. Mikulášek, Z.; Skopal, A.; Zejda, M.; Pejcha, O.; Kohoutek, L.; Motl, D.; Vittone, A. A.; Errico, L. (March 2007). "Light Variations of the Anomalous Central Star of Planetary Nebula Sh 2-71". Active OB-Stars: Laboratories for Stellare and Circumstellar Physics. 361: 469. arXiv: astro-ph/0510649 . Bibcode:2007ASPC..361..469M. ISSN   1050-3390.
3. Cuesta, L.; Phillips, J. P. (March 1993). "The kinematic structure of the unusual outflow source SH 2-71". Astronomy and Astrophysics. 270: 379–392. Bibcode:1993A&A...270..379C. ISSN   0004-6361.
4. "Sh 2-71". galaxymap.org. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
5. "Planetary Nebula Sh 2-71 | Deep⋆Sky Corner". www.deepskycorner.ch. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
6. [e-mail]. "Celestial Tapestry is Born of Uncertain Parentage". www.noirlab.edu. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
7. "Sh2-71". IMAGINGDEEPSPACE.COM. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
8. Fajrin, M.; Malasan, H. L.; Akbar, E. I. (2022-02-01). "Morpho-kinematics study of planetary nebula Sh 2-71 based on astrophysical 3-d modeling". Journal of Physics: Conference Series. 2214 (1): 012007. Bibcode:2022JPhCS2214a2007F. doi:10.1088/1742-6596/2214/1/012007. ISSN   1742-6588.