Hubble's sharp view is able to resolve patterns and ripples in the nebula very close to the central star that is not visible from the ground.
With this distinctive central star-forming ring, and the addition of numerous bluish clusters of hot, young stars dotted through its spiral arms, NGC 1097 makes a stunning visual object.
The bipolar star-forming region spotted by Hubble is actually two giant, super-hot streams of gas blasting outwards from a central star.
The dust shell is she condensate of the mass ejected by the central star.
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