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Credit & Copyright: Steve Mazlin,
Mark Hanson,
Warren Keller,
Rex Parker, Tommy Tse,
and Peter Proulx (SSRO / PROMPT / CTIO)
Explanation:
Carved by a bright
young star in
Orion's dusty molecular clouds, NGC 2023 is often
overlooked in favor of the nearby
dramatic silhouette of the Horsehead Nebula.
In
its own right
it is seen as a beautiful star forming emission
and reflection nebula though, a mere 1500 light-years distant.
Surprisingly colorful and complex filaments are detailed in
this rare NGC 2023 portrait.
Scattered points of emission are also from the region's
Herbig-Haro
objects,
associated with the energetic jets from newborn stars.
The sharp telescopic view spans about 10 light-years at the estimated
distance of NGC 2023.
Off the right edge of the frame lies the more familiar
cosmic Horsehead.
and Peter Proulx (SSRO / PROMPT / CTIO)
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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: Orion - emission nebula - reflection nebula
Publications with words: Orion - emission nebula - reflection nebula
See also:
- APOD: 2025 September 19 Á The NGC 6914 Complex
- APOD: 2025 September 10 Á The Great Lacerta Nebula
- APOD: 2025 August 13 Á Trapezium: In the Heart of Orion
- APOD: 2025 July 21 Á Cats Paw Nebula from Webb Space Telescope
- APOD: 2025 July 16 Á The Rosette Nebula from DECam
- APOD: 2025 July 5 Á Ou4: The Giant Squid Nebula
- APOD: 2025 June 26 Á The Seagull Nebula