Amateur Astronomers Unveil New Planetary Nebula
A team of amateur astronomers has discovered a new planetary nebula, FACT 1, after 310 hours of observation. This nebula, located in Auriga, showcases the remnants of a dying star.
In a remarkable achievement, a dedicated group of amateur astronomers has unveiled a new planetary nebula after a staggering 310 hours of cumulative exposure time. This newly discovered nebula, named FACT 1, is approximately one-third the size of the full moon and emits a faint glow within the constellation Auriga.
The team initially aimed to capture the first image of a supernova remnant identified in 2010 by two professional astronomers. However, their efforts not only succeeded in immortalizing this vast stellar explosion remnant but also led to the exciting discovery of their own nebula.
Officially recorded on July 20, 2026, on the website planetarynebulae.net, FACT 1 represents the dying phases of a star that has gradually shed its gaseous layers. Measuring 12 arc minutes in diameter, it is characterized as an old object, which explains its dim brightness, as noted by the team. Its presence only became apparent after many hours of meticulous observation.
An Ambitious Project
The genesis of this discovery is rooted in an inspiring story and an ambitious project. It all began in 2024 when the FACT (French Amateur Collaborative Telescope) team decided to embark on a venture that was significantly more challenging than their previous undertakings. "With the FACT team, we aimed to undertake a project on a scale far beyond what we were accustomed to," the amateur astronomers shared, reflecting on their journey.
