The Ghost Nebula
IC 63 – nicknamed the Ghost Nebula – is about 550 light-years from Earth. The nebula is classified as both a reflection nebula – as it is reflecting the light of a nearby star – and as an emission nebula – as it releases hydrogen-alpha radiation. Both effects are caused by the gigantic star Gamma Cassiopeiae. The radiation of this star is also slowly causing the nebula to dissipate.
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Last Update: 1 September 2019