Explanation:
The prominent ridge of emission featured in
this intensely
colorful skyscape is designated IC 5067.
Part of a larger
emission
nebula with a distinctive shape, popularly called
The Pelican Nebula, the ridge spans about
10 light-years and follows the
curve of the cosmic pelican's head and neck.
Fantastic, dark shapes inhabiting the view
are clouds of cool gas and dust
sculpted by
energetic radiation from hot, massive stars.
But stars are also forming within the dark shapes.
In fact, twin jets emerging from the tip of the central,
dark tendril
are the telltale signs of an embedded protostar cataloged as
Herbig-Haro
555.
The Pelican Nebula itself, also known as IC 5070,
is about 2,000 light-years away.
To find it, look northeast of bright
star Deneb in the
high flying constellation Cygnus.
Rare chance:
Ask APOD editor Jerry T. Bonnell questions about APOD.
