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Émilie Storer
Collège Charlemagne
I would like to suggest that the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph be used to observe the Owl nebula, also known as M97 or NGC 3587. M97 is a complex and faint planetary nebula situated in the constellation Ursa Major. It has a right ascension of 11: 14, 8 (h: m) and a declination of +55:01 (deg: m).
The Owl nebula would make a very good picture to use to promote astronomy for many reasons. First of all, since it is an object of the Messier catalogue, many amateur astronomers can recognize it. Also, since it's shape truly does resemble that of an owl's head, many people find it more interesting to look at than if it were a simple sphere.
Moreover, there is a little mystery surrounding the Owl nebula that might spark people's curiosity. Pierre Méchain discovered it on February 16, 1781, but the first person to notice the owl's eyes was Lord Rosse in 1848, 160 years ago. However, he claimed to have seen a star in each eye (see his drawing on the following page), but since then, we have only ever seen one (see picture to the right). We now wonder whether one of the stars disappeared after this first observation or if it was merely a figment of the Lord's imagination.
Additionally, the picture of the nebula could serve an educational purpose. Its complex structure could be explained, as well as the formation process of planetary nebulas, which is quite interesting.
The observation of M97 would also have a scientific interest because it has never been observed with a telescope the size of the Gemini. A picture with a better resolution could help us learn more about the complex structure of the Owl nebula, since it's appearance was interpreted as a cylindrical torus shell, a globe without two poles, seen obliquely so that the ends of the cylinder that have less matter make up the owl's eyes. It could also maybe clarify the mystery surrounding the missing star.
To conclude, the Owl nebula would be an excellent object to be observed with the Gemini telescope. It has a scientific interest, will attract the general public's attention and could serve some educational purposes. More importantly, it demonstrates the beauty and immensity of our universe that people often forget due to the hustle of everyday life.
http://www.astrosurf.com/luxorion/univers-rosse.htm
Contact information :
Émilie Storer
storer@sympatico.ca
Collège Charlemagne
5000 rue Pilon
Pierrefonds, Québec
