|
Credit & Copyright: Eric Coles and
Mel Helm
Explanation:
This
skyscape features dusty
Sharpless
catalog emission region
Sh2-155,
the Cave Nebula.
In the telescopic image, data taken through a
narrowband filter tracks the reddish glow of ionized hydrogen atoms.
About 2,400 light-years away, the scene lies
along the plane of our Milky Way Galaxy
toward the royal northern constellation
of Cepheus.
Astronomical explorations of the region reveal that it has
formed at the boundary of the massive Cepheus B molecular cloud
and the hot, young stars of the Cepheus OB 3
association.
The bright rim of
ionized
hydrogen gas is energized by radiation from the hot stars,
dominated by the brightest star above and left of picture center.
Radiation driven
ionization fronts are likely triggering collapsing cores
and new star formation within.
Appropriately sized for a stellar nursery, the cosmic cave is
over 10 light-years across.
|
January February March April May June July August September October November December |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: molecular cloud
Publications with words: molecular cloud
See also: