Posted on 12/26/2020 3:10:28 PM PST by MtnClimber
Explanation: Clouds of glowing hydrogen gas fill this colorful skyscape in the faint but fanciful constellation Monoceros, the Unicorn. A star forming region cataloged as NGC 2264, the complex jumble of cosmic gas and dust is about 2,700 light-years distant and mixes reddish emission nebulae excited by energetic light from newborn stars with dark interstellar dust clouds. Where the otherwise obscuring dust clouds lie close to the hot, young stars they also reflect starlight, forming blue reflection nebulae. The telescopic image spans about 1.5 degrees or 3 full moons, covering nearly 80 light-years at the distance of NGC 2264. Its cast of cosmic characters includes the the Fox Fur Nebula, whose dusty, convoluted pelt lies left of center, bright variable star S Monocerotis immersed in the blue-tinted haze near center, and the Cone Nebula pointing in from the right side of the frame. Of course, the stars of NGC 2264 are also known as the Christmas Tree star cluster. The triangular tree shape is seen on its side here. Traced by brighter stars it has its apex at the Cone Nebula. The tree's broader base is centered near S Monocerotis.
(Excerpt) Read more at apod.nasa.gov ...
For more detail go to the link and click on the image for a high definition image. You can then zoom by moving the magnifying glass over an area and then clicking. The side bars will move the zoomed area over the photograph.
And there is a triagular space ship on the right hand side about an inch from the edge and two from the top.
Charlie the unicorn?
It’s like looking in a mirror......IF I WAS A CHEESEBURGER!
Beautiful picture of
God’s Creation....
Don’t believe that it’s a star forming area.
That’s a Lie.
No one has ever seen a star being born.
Ever....
I wish they’d stick to observing the wonders of the universe and stop saying things as if they are fact...
It’s a piranha, traveling left to right in pursuit of its next meal.
Yep or a space station...not ours
“...the faint but fanciful constellation Monoceros, the Unicorn.”
But if you look at it from the OTHER side of the Universe, it just looks like my old, swaybacked Mule. ;)
Gorgeous, Darling! Just Gorgeous! :)
It’s a Romulan bird of prey decloaking.
Looks like one of the Rorschach tests that I failed.
Waddaya mean doc?
I have a sex problem???
You’re the one with all the dirty pictures!
With mauler fully energized and ready. Hang on to your seats!
.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.