Astronomy Picture of the Day

NASA ^ | 10/26/08 | NASA, ESA

[sig226]

Massive Stars in Open Cluster Pismis 24
Credit: NASA, ESA and J. M. Apellániz (IAA, Spain)

Explanation: How massive can a normal star be? Estimates made from distance, brightness and standard solar models had given one star in the open cluster Pismis 24 over 200 times the mass of our Sun, making it a record holder. This star is the brightest object located just above the gas front in the above image. Close inspection of images taken recently with the Hubble Space Telescope, however, have shown that Pismis 24-1 derives its brilliant luminosity not from a single star but from three at least. Component stars would still remain near 100 solar masses, making them among the more massive stars currently on record. Toward the bottom of the image, stars are still forming in the associated emission nebula NGC 6357, including several that appear to be breaking out and illuminating a spectacular cocoon.

[sig226]

[MEG33]

WOW! Thank you, Sig.

[hershey]

I love these breathtaking pictures. Thanks so much for posting them.

[econjack]

I’d put this one right after The Pillars of Creation...beautiful...thanks!

[cripplecreek]

I kinda wonder what our “local neighborhood” looks like from a distance.

[clinkclink]

That is amazing!

[HighlyOpinionated]

Space Exploration STILL has to be a budgeted expense.

How about a Space Station Prison where we drop off Taliban and Al Qaeda? No worry that they’d try to escape.

It’s an idea.

[Young Werther]

I would like to see Steven Hawking transported to the ISS where the zero gravity would lessen the stress on his body and increase his life span. His mind is magnificent and any expense to keep him around is well worth it.

I don't think a prison in orbit for the Taliban and AlQaeda is the answer. They do deserve a "Day in the Sun" An inexpensive carrier placed in a retrograde trajectory and within a month they will have their corona, (no not the beer!)

Now this a sizzling solution!

[outofsalt]

Has this series, APOD, been published in print media?
I would pay real dollars for a hi-res hardbound edition.

[bert]

If you observe the cloud, there are finger like protuberances indicating the outward growth. If there were uniform force pushing or uniform resistance, the edges would seem to be even.

That is not the case. There is large irregularity. The governing force is uneven

[potlatch]

Thank you, that is an especially pretty one.