Astronomy Picture of the Day -- NGC 7380: The Wizard Nebula

NASA ^ | November 02, 2011 | (see photo credit)

[SunkenCiv]

Explanation: What powers are being wielded in the Wizard Nebula? Gravitation strong enough to form stars, and stellar winds and radiations powerful enough to create and dissolve towers of gas. Located only 8,000 light years away, the Wizard nebula, pictured above, surrounds developing open star cluster NGC 7380. Visually, the interplay of stars, gas, and dust has created a shape that appears to some like a fictional medieval sorcerer. The active star forming region spans 100 about light years, making it appear larger than the angular extent of the Moon. The Wizard Nebula can be located with a small telescope toward the constellation of the King of Aethiopia (Cepheus). Although the nebula may last only a few million years, some of the stars being formed may outlive our Sun.

[SunkenCiv]

[Credit & Copyright: Rolf Geissinger]

[OddLane]

BTTT.

[SunkenCiv]

Miss me yet?

join or quit list APoD 'blog post new APoD topic Astronomy Picture of the Day topic & keyword Astronomy Chat, Bloggers & keyword Science Chat, Bloggers & keyword NASA's APoD archive Calendar 1995-present APoD on your desktop

[cripplecreek]

[.30Carbine]

Yes, I missed you very much!

Was it the gravitational forces of the red wizard that kept thee? (;

[SunkenCiv]

Believe it or not, a squirrel from the Occupy Substation movement caused a short that knocked out power for 10K hardworking GR citizens. And me. :’)

[SunkenCiv]

I had to break up with her, she’s too needy.

[.30Carbine]

This picture
from
this link
which you posted above
is a delight!
It tells a rich, detailed, deep story. The kind of story that makes a little one say,
"Just one more chapter pretty please with a cherry on top?"

How kind of you to post such fun at bedtime!

[count-your-change]

“Although the nebula may last only a few million years...”

In that case I’m glad someone got a picture now!

[cripplecreek]

That’s alright, I needed needy when she showed up on my doorstep.

[ixtl]

Beautiful picture on this thread.

P.S. The girl ain’t half bad, either.

[momtothree]

Yes, I missed you, SunkenCiv. It isn’t my normal day unless I am looking at beautiful, majestic pictures of space. Did you get a note from home about your absence?!! If not... it is after school detention for you!!!

[RedMDer]

[left that other site]

Another Beauty!

[bigheadfred]

It isn’t my normal day unless I am looking at beautiful, majestic pictures of space.

Weird. It isn't my normal day unless I'm all spaced out.

[SunkenCiv]

Don’t bogart that galaxy.