The Stunning Diamond Ring in the Sky

Astronomy is, for most people, a fascinating subject. The study of stars, planets and other ethereal bodies millions of miles away has a certain mystique that appeals to many people, both young and old. Jewellery has a similar, albeit shallower, sort of appeal: the glinting beauty of stones and precious metals has also captured the fancy of a large percentage of the human population. So when the two fields come together, one can only expect the interest to double.

Such has been the case recently, when a celestial vision of beauty was captured by The European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope. The amazing image of a planetary nebula perfectly aligned with a star has created what looks to be a stunning diamond ring of cosmic proportions.

A planetary nebula, known as Abell 33, over 2500 light years away is in one the last stages of life for a star. It forms when a star’s atmosphere blows out into outer space and creates a glowing cloud of gas around the star’s remains. This is eventually what becomes known as a white dwarf. These white dwarfs are extremely hot and dense masses that take billions of years to cool down.

In the image of Abell 33 captured by the Very Large Telescope the star’s demise has resulted in glowing clouds of gas, known as planetary nebulae, that have formed into a perfect blue bubble or ring. The fact that the formation is perfectly circular is fairly uncommon as these nebulas typically have strange shapes due to the rotation of the star or other volatile factors of the environment.

The stunning diamond upon the planetary nebula’s ring in the image is actually a separate star, romantically called HD 83535, it just happened to be in the right place at the right time for the union. This amazing once-in-a-lifetime alignment has piqued the curiosity of astronomers around the globe and has certainly caught the attention of romantics and couples alike who must be thinking that there could be no better inspiration for the perfect stunning diamond engagement ring than the celestial heavens above.

Of course with the discovery of Abell 33 has come increased debate amongst the Creationists versus the Scientists. However, whether the diamond ring floating in outer space was created by the hand of an almighty God or was just a well time astronomical optical illusion one will never know. What is known is that the images captured of this stunning diamond ring in the night sky will inspire many ring designers and couples for years to come.

Frank L Orman is the founder of the F&L Designer Guides, compiled and written to help consumers choose the best and the most unique designers in a series of luxury industries. Starting with their favourite UK engagement ring designers, F&L Designer Guides will lead you through the journey to find and commission that perfect ring.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.