NGC 2371-2 is a dual lobed planetary nebula located at a distance of 4400 light years in the constellation Gemini. Visually, it appears like it could be two separate objects; therefore, two entries were given to the planetary nebula in the New General Catalogue, so it may be referred to as NGC 2371, NGC 2372, or variations on this name. It has also been called the double bubble nebula.
The central star of the planetary nebula has a spectral type of [WO1], indicating a spectrum similar to that of an oxygen-rich Wolf–Rayet star.
NGC 2371-2
Photographed with the RC8″ reflector and the ASI 2600MC color CMOS camera in Stuvsta, March 10th, 2026. Exposure was 30*3 min with IDAS LPS P3 filter. Postprocessing in Pixinsight and Photoshop.
NGC 2371-2
NGC 2371-2
NGC 2371-2
Photographed with the RC8″ reflector and the ASI 2600MC color CMOS camera in Stuvsta, March 10th, 2026. Exposure was 30*3 min with IDAS LPS P3 filter. Postprocessing in Pixinsight and Photoshop.
The Empire Strikes Back!
The NGC 2371-2 planetary nebula resembles the famous imperial hunters from the movie Star Wars.