First Croatian to Discover a New Nebula in Space, Now Named After Him
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Loading... - Magda Balsam
- 28 Feb 2025
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Robert Žibreg, an amateur astronomer originally from Virovitica and currently residing in Varaždin, has made history as the first Croatian to discover a new nebula in space. This celestial object has been officially named PaZib 1 in recognition of his groundbreaking discovery.
A nebula, which is a giant cloud of dust and gas in space, represents a significant find in the field of astronomy. Žibreg's passion for the cosmos began in his childhood when he observed the Moon and stars through a school telescope. Now an IT professional, he dedicates his free time to exploring the universe, focusing on a rarely photographed region of the sky.
Over approximately fifty hours, Žibreg captured images of this area and, upon processing the data, he noticed an unfamiliar object. “I realized there was something new there,” he shared in an interview with Dobro jutro, Hrvatska.
To confirm his discovery, Žibreg collaborated with American astronomer Dana Patchick. Together, they verified the existence of a new planetary nebula located in the constellation Auriga, near the well-known star cluster Messier 37. This collaboration highlights the vital synergy between amateur astrophotography and professional research, showcasing how both can advance the field of astronomy.
Žibreg encourages aspiring astronomers to embark on their own journeys of discovery. He advises starting with a camera and a small tripod to capture images of the Moon, planets, or deep space objects. His story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that passion and dedication can lead to significant contributions to science, even from amateur enthusiasts.
