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Astronomy Picture of the Day
NASA ^ | 3/21/07 | T. Rector, H. Schweiker

Posted on 03/21/2007 2:32:33 PM PDT by sig226

Molecular Cloud Barnard 163
Credit & Copyright:
T. Rector (U. Alaska Anchorage), H. Schweiker, WIYN, NOAO, AURA, NSF

Explanation: It may look to some like a duck, but it lays stars instead of eggs. In the center of the above image lies Barnard 163, a nebula of molecular gas and dust so thick that visible light can't shine through it. With a wing span measured in light years, Barnard 163's insides are surely colder than its exterior, allowing conditions where gas can clump and eventually form stars. Barnard 163 lies about 3,000 light years from Earth toward the constellation of Cepheus the King. The red glow in the background results from IC 1396, a large emission nebula that houses the Elephant's Trunk Nebula. Finding Barnard 163 in an image of its greater emission nebula IC 1396 can be a challenge, but it's possible.


TOPICS: Arts/Photography; Astronomy; Astronomy Picture of the Day; Science
KEYWORDS: apod
Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy
1 posted on 03/21/2007 2:32:35 PM PDT by sig226
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To: fnord; Number57; KevinDavis; rdb3; MNJohnnie; thoughtomator; RightWhale; proudofthesouth; ...

2 posted on 03/21/2007 2:33:03 PM PDT by sig226 (see my profile for the democrat culture of corruption)
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To: sig226

Wow! Thanks.


3 posted on 03/21/2007 2:37:38 PM PDT by brivette
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To: sig226

So, 3,000 light years away means before recorded history, right?


4 posted on 03/21/2007 2:47:15 PM PDT by clinkclink
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To: clinkclink
The Celts controlled must of Europe when this light we see
now was generated....JJ61
5 posted on 03/21/2007 4:49:21 PM PDT by JerseyJohn61 (Better Late Than Never.......sometimes over lapping is worth the effort....)
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To: sig226

That is gorgeous.


6 posted on 03/21/2007 5:14:17 PM PDT by pax_et_bonum (I will always love you, Flyer.)
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To: JerseyJohn61

Celts, I'm one of them.


7 posted on 03/21/2007 5:39:26 PM PDT by clinkclink
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To: clinkclink

Me too. Half at least. Wink....JJ61


8 posted on 03/21/2007 5:44:18 PM PDT by JerseyJohn61 (Better Late Than Never.......sometimes over lapping is worth the effort....)
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To: sig226

STunning, thanks!


9 posted on 03/22/2007 5:59:19 AM PDT by TheKidster (you can only trust government to grow, consolidate power and infringe upon your liberties.)
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