Posted on 10/08/2014 9:10:16 PM PDT by SunkenCiv
Explanation: Star cluster NGC 6823 is slowly turning gas clouds into stars. The center of the open cluster, visible on the upper right, formed only about two million years ago and is dominated in brightness by a host of bright young blue stars. Some outer parts of the cluster, visible in the featured image's center as the stars and pillars of emission nebula NGC 6820, contain even younger stars. The huge pillars of gas and dust likely get their elongated shape by erosion from hot radiation emitted from the brightest cluster stars. Striking dark globules of gas and dust are also visible across the upper left of the featured image. Open star cluster NGC 6823 spans about 50 light years and lies about 6000 light years away toward the constellation of the Fox (Vulpecula).
(Excerpt) Read more at 129.164.179.22 ...
[Credit & Copyright: Donald P. Waid (Waid Observatory)]
Stunning picture. Please add me to your Ping list!
Wonderful!
:-)
Thank you for the post and ping, Mr. Civilizations.
Nice tag line, too. Thanks for that as well.
If your star cluster lasts for more than 4 hours, consult your doctor.
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.