Astronomy Picture of the Day

M78: Stardust and Starlight


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#81525 by @ 05.11.2005 00:00 - nach oben -
M78: Stardust and Starlight


Explanation:

Interstellar
dust clouds and bright nebulae abound in the fertile
constellation of Orion.

One of the
brightest,
M78
, is just below center in
this sharp widefield view,
covering an area north of
Orion's belt.

At a distance of about 1,500 light-years, the
bluish nebula itself
is about 5 light-years across.

Its blue tint is due to dust
preferentially
reflecting the blue light
of hot, young stars in the region.

Dark dust lanes and other nebulae can easily be traced
through this gorgeous skyscape that
also
includes
the remarkable
McNeil's Nebula -- a newly
recognized nebula
associated with
the formation of a sun-like star.




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