Astronomy Picture of the Day

NASA ^ | 4/24/08 | Igor Chekalin

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Cygnus Without Stars
Credit & Copyright: Igor Chekalin

Explanation: The sky is full of hydrogen, though it can take a sensitive camera and telescope to see it. For example, this twelve-degree-wide view of the northern part of the constellation Cygnus reveals cosmic clouds of hydrogen gas along the plane of our Milky Way galaxy. The mosaic of telescopic images was recorded through an h-alpha filter that transmits only visible red light from glowing hydrogen atoms. Further digital processing has removed most of what is left of the myriad, point-like Milky Way stars from the scene, though bright Deneb, alpha star of Cygnus and head of the Northern Cross, remains near top center. Recognizable bright nebulae include NGC 7000 (North America Nebula), and IC 5070 (Pelican Nebula) at the upper left with IC 1318 (Butterfly Nebula) and NGC 6888 (Crescent Nebula) at lower right -- but others can be found throughout the wide field. Want the stars back? Just slide your cursor over the picture.

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If you go to the NASA site, the image changes to one with the stars in it when you put your mouse over it.

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[deadrock]

In the constellation of Cygnus,
There lurks a mysterious, invisible force
The Black Hole
Of Cygnus X-1

Six Stars of the Northern Cross
In mourning for their sister’s loss
In a final flash of glory
Nevermore to grace the night...

Thanks to Neil Peart

[Diana in Wisconsin]

I love these posts. They make The Big Picture really clear. The Universe is so infinitely vast, time is endless; my problems are insignificant. :)

[Resolute Conservative]

I am feverishly saving to upgrade from my small 4 inch to a 10 or 12 inch scope with more stuff. makes me want to do the dumb thing and charge one up.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

If it’s something that brings you pleasure and awe, I’d do it. I spend a LOT of time gazing at our full Moon through binoculars and THAT takes my breath away, LOL!

I have a friend who has a crater on the Moon named after him. It’s the ‘Darling’ Crater’ named after David Darling. It’s near one of the larger “lakes” on the Moon.

It could be you, next! Dave had nothing more than a home-hobby telescope...and a lot of time on his hands, LOL! :)

[Diana in Wisconsin]

And how come our “Moon” doesn’t have a NAME? Other planets’ moons have names. Why not ours?

Just askin’. I think ‘Diana’ would fit perfectly. ;)

[Mmogamer]

hehe it does, its Luna.

[P.O.E.]

Call your congressperson. Ask them to vote for the “We must not drill in Cygnus for Hydrogen” bill NOW, before it’s too late.

[HoosierHawk]

Exactly.

Eric Idle - The Galaxy Song

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Thanks! :)

[mad_as_he$$]

lol sad but they will probably agree....