Astronomy Picture of the Day -- In the Vicinity of the Cone Nebula

NASA ^ | December 13, 2011 | (see photo credit)

[SunkenCiv]

Explanation: Strange shapes and textures can be found in neighborhood of the Cone Nebula. The unusual shapes originate from fine interstellar dust reacting in complex ways with the energetic light and hot gas being expelled by the young stars. The brightest star on the right of the above picture is S Mon, while the region just below it has been nicknamed the Fox Fur Nebula for its color and structure. The blue glow directly surrounding S Mon results from reflection, where neighboring dust reflects light from the bright star. The red glow that encompasses the whole region results not only from dust reflection but also emission from hydrogen gas ionized by starlight. S Mon is part of a young open cluster of stars named NGC 2264, located about 2500 light years away toward the constellation of the Unicorn (Monoceros). The origin of the mysterious geometric Cone Nebula, visible on the far left, remains a mystery.

[SunkenCiv]

[Credit & Copyright: Dieter Willasch (Astro-Cabinet)]

[SunkenCiv]

join or quit list APoD 'blog post new APoD topic Astronomy Picture of the Day topic & keyword Astronomy Chat, Bloggers & keyword Science Chat, Bloggers & keyword NASA's APoD archive Calendar 1995-present APoD on your desktop

[left that other site]

That is Just AWESOME!

[no-to-illegals]

WOW!

[The Working Man]

Interesting... That Cone Nebula reminds me strongly of a wake from a ship.

Thank you for posting the APOD.

[MHGinTN]

Looks like the Muppets monster band blowing up!

[cripplecreek]

Here are a couple of neat little solar system toys I found tonight while looking for the planets in relation to us.

http://dd.dynamicdiagrams.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/orrery_2006.swf

http://www.solarsystemscope.com/#plans

[redhead]

Oh, that is STUNNING! Instant wallpaper!

[cloudmountain]

I was watching a program about the universe and the red/blue colors are often seen. They are particles chasing each other around and around.
Hey, I know SO little about these things but I remember colors...red and blue. Duh.

Fabulous photo.

[ixtl]

Another beautiful picture. I can’t really add anything to what the others have said, just wanted to say “Thanks” for all these wonderful photos.