 |
 |
| Nebula MZ 3 (which is also known as the "Ant Nebula") is an unusual planetary nebula some 3000 light years distant toward the constellation Norma. Unlike most planetary nebulae, which are roughly spherical in shape, Mz 3 is distinctly nonsymmetric. This peculiar shape might result because the central star of Mz 3 is orbited by a close companion star, which exerts a strong gravitational tidal field. Or this peculiar shape might result because strong magnetic fields from the central star of Mz 3 wrap surrounding gas into complex patterns as the star spins. Whatever the explanation, Mz 3 is a unique and unusual planetary nebula. The nebula is about 1.6 light years long. |
|
|
|
