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Red Rectangle Zoom Animation
An animated movement over the Red Rectangle showing the rung-type structures. Astronomers interpret the X-shaped structure as outflows of gas and dust from the star in the center. The star in the center of the Red Rectangle is one that began its life as a star similar to our Sun. It is now nearing the end of its lifetime, and is in the process of ejecting its outer layers to produce the visible nebula. This image was taken with Hubble's Wide Field Planetary Camera 2.
- Release DateMay 11, 2004
- Science ReleaseDying Star Sculpts Rungs of Gas and Dust
- Credit
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Last Updated
Aug 17, 2025
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Media
Claire Andreoli
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, Maryland
claire.andreoli@nasa.gov
