Posted on 12/31/2013 12:55:42 PM PST by SunkenCiv
Explanation: The Horsehead Nebula is one of the most famous nebulae on the sky. It is visible as the dark indentation to the red emission nebula in the center of the above photograph. The horse-head feature is dark because it is really an opaque dust cloud that lies in front of the bright red emission nebula. Like clouds in Earth's atmosphere, this cosmic cloud has assumed a recognizable shape by chance. After many thousands of years, the internal motions of the cloud will alter its appearance. The emission nebula's red color is caused by electrons recombining with protons to form hydrogen atoms. Also visible at the bottom left of the picture is a greenish reflection nebulae that preferentially reflects the blue light from nearby stars.
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[Credit & Copyright: John Chumack]
Still like LL Pegasi.
One of my favorites - a very ominous looking thing.
One of the most difficult to see famous objects for amateurs. I’ve been an amateur astronomer for about 30 years and have only managed to glimpse the Horsehead a few times, under near perfect conditions. And some of those times I had to use averted imagination. :)
” averted imagination. :)”
LOL
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