Photo #3 (July 2008)

  I guess we all like to be recognized not for one piece of fireworks, but for the ledger of our daily work.
                                        - Neil Armstrong

The Firework Nebula is the result of a type of stellar explosion called a nova. In a nova, a nuclear detonation on the surface of a compact white dwarf star blasts away material that has been dumped on its surface by a companion star. Also known as GK Persei or Nova Persei, this nova became one of the brightest stars in the night sky in the year 1901. In a nova, a very compact star called a white dwarf blasts away gas that had accumulated on its surface. As it faded, astronomers could see an expanding shell of gas that eventually became this spectacular nebula. While not exactly predictable, GK Per undergoes minor outbursts every three or four years. This nova became as bright as one of the brighter stars we see in the night sky, but then faded until only a telescope could see it. Soon astronomers could see an expanding shell of gas that eventually became this spectacular nebula. The unusual "fireworks" type feature of this nebula is still a matter of research and discussion.

So, what is the meaning of your life? What would you like to be remembered for? What legacy will you leave that will contribute to the good of all?
                                     - Daniel Benor