Posted on 11/03/2011 3:24:55 AM PDT by SunkenCiv
Explanation: These bright rims and flowing shapes suggest to some melting ice cream on a cosmic scale. Looking toward the constellation Cassiopeia, the colorful (zoomable) skyscape features the swept back, comet-shaped clouds IC 59 (left) and IC 63. About 600 light-years distant, the clouds aren't actually melting, but they are slowly dissipating under the influence of ionizing ultraviolet radiation from hot,luminous star gamma Cass. Gamma Cass is physically located only 3 to 4 light-years from the nebulae, just off the upper right edge of the frame. In fact, slightly closer to gamma Cass, IC 63 is dominated by red H-alpha light emitted as the ionized hydrogen atoms recombine with electrons. Farther from the star, IC 59 shows proportionally less H-alpha emission but more of the characteristic blue tint of dust reflected star light. The field of view spans about 1 degree or 10 light-years at the estimated distance of gamma Cass and friends.
(Excerpt) Read more at 129.164.179.22 ...
[Credit & Copyright: Ken Crawford (Rancho Del Sol Obs.)]
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Beautiful picture, SunkenCiv. I almost see a bird in flight (on the right hand side)!
Is that Gandalf there on the right?
That looks like an Angel!
No..wait...this is a SCIENTIFIC Thread! LOL!
“Gamma Cass is located ONLY (emphasis added) 3-4 light years from the nebula...” How easily we throw such figures around. Remember, one light year equals six trillion miles.
Gamma Cass never got to see her grandchildren, as far as I know, darn that ham sandwich.
Thanks!
Yes, I see two doves dancing in delighted flight!
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