Explanation:
Star clusters and nebulae abound in the
ancient northern constellation
Auriga -
a region that includes the
interesting pair NGC 1931 (lower left) and IC 417.
In this gorgeous
color image, an imaginative eye toward
the expansive
IC 417
and diminutive
NGC 1931
suggests a cosmic
spider
and fly.
About 10,000 light-years distant,
both are young open star clusters formed in interstellar
clouds and still embedded in
glowing hydrogen gas.
The more compact NGC 1931 is about 10 light-years across with
contrasting blue hues characteristic of dust
reflected starlight.
