Wolf-Rayet
Encyclopedia
Wolf-Rayet can mean:
- Wolf-Rayet starWolf-Rayet starWolf–Rayet stars are evolved, massive stars , which are losing mass rapidly by means of a very strong stellar wind, with speeds up to 2000 km/s...
, a type of evolved, massive star - Wolf-Rayet galaxyStarburst galaxyA starburst galaxy is a galaxy in the process of an exceptionally high rate of star formation, compared to the usual star formation rate seen in most galaxies. Galaxies are often observed to have a burst of star formation after a collision or close encounter between two galaxies...
, which contains large numbers of WR stars - Wolf-Rayet nebulaWolf-Rayet nebulaA Wolf–Rayet nebula is a nebula which surrounds a Wolf–Rayet star. A subtype of a WR-nebula is the Pinwheel nebula.There are different types of WR-nebula, based on their formation mechanism:* HII regions* ejecta-type nebulae* wind-blown bubbles...
, which surrounds a Wolf-Rayet star