Astronomy Picture of the Day 12-10-02

NASA ^ | 12-10-02 | Robert Nemiroff and Jerry Bonnell

[petuniasevan]

Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2002 December 10

M17: Omega Nebula Star Factory
Credit & Copyright: Jean-Charles Cuillandre (CFHT), Hawaiian Starlight, CFHT

Explanation: In the depths of the dark clouds of dust and molecular gas known as M17, stars continue to form. The similarity to the Greek letter capital Omega gives the molecular cloud its popular name, but the nebula is also known as the Swan Nebula, the Horseshoe Nebula, and M17. The darkness of these molecular clouds results from background starlight being absorbed by thick carbon-based smoke-sized dust. As bright massive stars form, they produce intense and energetic light that slowly boils away the dark shroud. M17, pictured above, is visible with binoculars towards the constellation of Sagittarius, lies 5000 light-years away, and spans 20 light-years across.

[petuniasevan]

Early morning in April is the earliest we'll be seeing this pretty nebula.
That is, those of us at mid-northern latitudes (sorry RightWhale).

Good morning all! Gotta go to work so enjoy!

[petuniasevan]

[GodBlessRonaldReagan]

Very nice - thanks for the ping!

[glock rocks]

thanks, P7 - this is a keeper. (twas time for a new desktop)

[xJones]

How beautiful! Thanks.

[foolish-one]

Thank you.

[Joan912]

That is beautiful!

[SuziQ]

What a gorgeous picture!!

[WSGilcrest]

[sistergoldenhair]

Thanks!

[NerdDad]

Nice Pic. My access to FR has been banned at work (too many hours spent reading instead of programming) and I've been without a PC at home from Thursday until last night. I know I'm late in weighing in but I wanted to cast my belated vote for keeping this thread active. Thanks.

[petuniasevan]

Thanks for your support!