Posted on 04/24/2008 1:23:57 PM PDT by sig226
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.
Six Stars of the Northern Cross
In mourning for their sisters loss
In a final flash of glory
Nevermore to grace the night...
Thanks to Neil Peart
I love these posts. They make The Big Picture really clear. The Universe is so infinitely vast, time is endless; my problems are insignificant. :)
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.
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! :)
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. ;)
hehe it does, its Luna.
Call your congressperson. Ask them to vote for the “We must not drill in Cygnus for Hydrogen” bill NOW, before it’s too late.
Thanks! :)
lol sad but they will probably agree....
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.