Astronomy Picture of the Day
    


APOD: 2026 July 9 Á The Red Glow of the Cosmic Bat Nebula
<< Yesterday 9.07.2026
APOD: 2026 July 9 Á The Red Glow of the Cosmic Bat Nebula
Credit & Copyright: Keighley Rockcliffe (NASA GSFC, UMBC CSST, CRESST II)
Explanation: This Cosmic Bat wishes you a happy Summerween! This mid-year celebration of Halloween transcends hemispheres, even though summer in the Northern hemisphere is winter in the South. Contrary to its eery aura, the Cosmic Bat Nebula (LDN 43), not to be confused with the Bat Nebula (NGC 6995), is a vibrant birthplace for stars. A bit of young starlight peeks through the dense clouds of gas and dust that make up the Cosmic BatÁs 12 lightyear wingspan. The ultraviolet light from the young stars energizes the nebulaÁs hydrogen gas, causing it to glow an ominous red. The jet of glowing hydrogen gas emerging from the batÁs head hints at the star formation hidden within.

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
 < July 2026  
Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su


12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031

Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (USRA)
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: nebula - dust
Publications with words: nebula - dust
See also:
All publications on this topic >>