Explanation:
Stars are battling gas and dust in the Lagoon Nebula
but the photographers are winning.
Also known as M8,
this photogenic nebula is visible
even without binoculars towards the constellation of Sagittarius.
The energetic processes of
star formation create not
only the colors but the chaos.
The red-glowing gas
results from high-energy starlight striking interstellar
hydrogen gas.
The dark
dustfilaments that lace
M8 were created in
the atmospheres of cool
giant stars and in the
debris from
supernovae explosions.
The light from
M8 we see today left about
5,000 years ago.
Light takes about 50 years to cross this section of
M8.
Note: The main APOD web site experienced serious problems
this weekend, but has now been restored.
Sorry, and thanks for your patience and concerned emails! - eds.
