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Gemini North Captures Crystal Ball Nebula’s Binary-Shaped Glow

6/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. astronomers captured an image of the Crystal Ball Nebula, 1,500 light-years away in Taurus, using Gemini North in Hawaii.
A binary star system, with one star shedding layers and a nine-year companion, sculpts the nebula’s cloud-like shapes.
A spectrograph filter isolates hydrogen and oxygen light, creating vivid red and blue hues.
Scientists will monitor the nebula every few years to track changes in its roughly 10,000-year dying phase.

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Story summary

U.S. astronomers captured an image of the Crystal Ball Nebula, 1,500 light-years away in Taurus, using Gemini North in Hawaii.
A binary star system, with one star shedding layers and a nine-year companion, sculpts the nebula’s cloud-like shapes.
A spectrograph filter isolates hydrogen and oxygen light, creating vivid red and blue hues.
Scientists will monitor the nebula every few years to track changes in its roughly 10,000-year dying phase.