Posted on 07/15/2021 3:57:31 PM PDT by MtnClimber
Explanation: In silhouette against a crowded star field along the tail of the arachnalogical constellation Scorpius, this dusty cosmic cloud evokes for some the image of an ominous dark tower. In fact, clumps of dust and molecular gas collapsing to form stars may well lurk within the dark nebula, a structure that spans almost 40 light-years across this gorgeous telescopic portrait. Known as a cometary globule, the swept-back cloud, is shaped by intense ultraviolet radiation from the OB association of very hot stars in NGC 6231, off the upper edge of the scene. That energetic ultraviolet light also powers the globule's bordering reddish glow of hydrogen gas. Hot stars embedded in the dust can be seen as bluish reflection nebulae. This dark tower, NGC 6231, and associated nebulae are about 5,000 light-years away.
For more detail go to the link and click on the image for a high definition image. You can then move the magnifying glass cursor then click to zoom in and click again to zoom out. When zoomed in you can scan by moving the side bars on the bottom and right side of the image.
I bet Frodo is that bright white star half way down.
If we can get the ring from him before he destroys it, we can rule them all!!!
bttt

Mtn Climber, thanks for posting. A mysterious dark cloud in Scorpio!
Looks like a strawberry parfait.
Looking at it again. 40 Light years across. I can’t even conceive this distance.
Dark Angel of void!
(Yes I am anthropomorphizing over this massive dust cloud!)
So the demons won’t fly into them, silly!...............
If you look closely at that pic, you can see C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate.
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