Astronomers Simulate the Cat’s Eye Nebula in 3D - by ET_Exists
That was until Ryan Clairmont, a prospective undergraduate at Stanford University, astronomy enthusiast, and lead author of the study, took the initiative to create a 3D structure of Cat’s Eye in hopes of explaining its unique shape that traditional astrophysics had trouble explaining. He enlisted the help of Dr. Nico Koning of the University of Calgary, who developed SHAPE, which is a 3D astrophysical modeling software that is appropriate for modeling planetary nebulae, and Dr.
For the study, the researchers utilized spectral data from the San Pedro Martir National Observatory in Mexico to reassemble the nebula’s 3D structure. Combining this data with images from HST, Clairmont was able to build a novel 3D model of Cat’s Eye, demonstrating that high-density gas rings enveloped the nebula’s outer shell.
The jets themselves displayed what’s known as precession, much like a spinning top’s wobbling motion. As the jet precessed over time, a circle was outline that eventually created the rings we now observe around Cat’s Eye. However, the data shows the rings were short-lived, which means the precessing jet never finished a complete 360-degree circle.
As both the direction and angle of the jet changed over time, they are likely responsible for the current features we observe within Cat’s Eye, including the knots and jets. Armed with their new 3D model, the research team was able calculate both the opening angle and tilt of the precessing jet based on the rings’ orientation.
“When I first saw the Cat’s Eye Nebula, I was astounded by its beautiful, perfectly symmetric structure,” said Clairmont. “I was even more surprised that its 3D structure was not fully understood. It was very rewarding to be able to do astrophysical research of my own that actually has an impact in the field. Precessing jets in planetary nebulae are relatively rare, so it’s important to understand how they contribute to the shaping of more complex systems like the Cat’s Eye.
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