A unique nebula, resembling a giant ant in the universe, has been captured in our galaxy. Known as the "Ant Nebula," or "Mz3," it formed from gas expelled by a star similar to the sun at the end of its life cycle. Typically, stars are round, so the asymmetric shape poses a long-standing puzzle for astronomers. Mz3 does not have a circular shape; instead, it resembles an ant with elongated ends. Astronomers hypothesize that a companion star, slightly dimmer than the sun, or the rapid rotation and strong magnetic field of the central star restricts the gas's direction, creating this shape. Given the central star's similarity to the sun, this star is expected to provide important clues for understanding the distant future of our sun.
※ This article has been translated by AI. Share your feedback here.