Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 27, 2026

Sh 2-71

Sh 2-71 is a planetary nebula in the constellation of Aquila. It is notable for its highly irregular and complex morphology, which has been attributed to interactions within a binary star system. However, it is believed the shape and structure of the nebula is formed partially because of a triple star system that has since ejected its third member. The nebula exhibits a broad, asymmetrical ring structure with bipolar lobes and extended emission regions, challenging traditional models of planetary nebula formation driven by single or binary stars. Sh 2-71 is a benchmark object for studying the influence of multiple-star dynamics on the late stages of stellar evolution.

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Jul 27, 2026
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Sharpless 2-71
Nebula
Image of Sh 2-71 Nebula, as seen by the Gemini Observatory
Observation data: epoch
Right ascension19h 01m 00s
Declination+02° 09' 23"
Distance1050 pc
ConstellationAquila
Physical characteristics
Absolute magnitude (V)12.3
Dimensions2.5' x 1.3'
DesignationsLBN 103, PN G035.9-01.1 , Sh 2-71, Min 1-90, V-V 1-9

Sh 2-71 is a planetary nebula in the constellation of Aquila. It is notable for its highly irregular and complex morphology, which has been attributed to interactions within a binary star system. However, it is believed the shape and structure of the nebula is formed partially because of a triple star system that has since ejected its third member.123 The nebula exhibits a broad, asymmetrical ring structure with bipolar lobes and extended emission regions, challenging traditional models of planetary nebula formation driven by single or binary stars. Sh 2-71 is a benchmark object for studying the influence of multiple-star dynamics on the late stages of stellar evolution.4

Discovery

It was discovered by Rudolph Minkowski in 1946. It was cataloged by Stewart Sharpless in 1959, who thought it was a possible planetary nebula. In 1961, it was confirmed as a planetary nebula by Boris Vorontsov-Velyaminov.567

Morphology

A 2022 morpho-kinematic study using the SHAPE software modeled its 3D structure from Gemini GMOS images, the HASH Planetary Nebula Database, DSS plates, and high-resolution long-slit spectra from the San Pedro Mártir Kinematic Catalogue.8

References

References

  1. Jones, David; Pejcha, Ondřej; Corradi, Romano L M (2019-10-21). "On the triple-star origin of the planetary nebula Sh 2-71". Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. 489 (2): 2195–2203. arXiv:1908.04582. doi:10.1093/mnras/stz2293. ISSN 0035-8711.
  2. Mikulášek, Z.; Skopal, A.; Zejda, M.; Pejcha, O.; Kohoutek, L.; Motl, D.; Vittone, A. A.; Errico, L. (March 2007). "Light Variations of the Anomalous Central Star of Planetary Nebula Sh 2-71". Active OB-Stars: Laboratories for Stellare and Circumstellar Physics. 361: 469. arXiv:astro-ph/0510649. Bibcode:2007ASPC..361..469M. ISSN 1050-3390.
  3. Cuesta, L.; Phillips, J. P. (March 1993). "The kinematic structure of the unusual outflow source SH 2-71". Astronomy and Astrophysics. 270: 379–392. Bibcode:1993A&A...270..379C. ISSN 0004-6361.
  4. "Sh 2-71". galaxymap.org. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
  5. "Planetary Nebula Sh 2-71 | Deep⋆Sky Corner". www.deepskycorner.ch. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
  6. info@noirlab.edu. "Celestial Tapestry is Born of Uncertain Parentage". www.noirlab.edu. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
  7. "Sh2-71". IMAGINGDEEPSPACE.COM. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
  8. Fajrin, M.; Malasan, H. L.; Akbar, E. I. (2022-02-01). "Morpho-kinematics study of planetary nebula Sh 2-71 based on astrophysical 3-d modeling". Journal of Physics: Conference Series. 2214 (1) 012007. Bibcode:2022JPhCS2214a2007F. doi:10.1088/1742-6596/2214/1/012007. ISSN 1742-6588.