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Credit: Robert Gendler
Explanation:
Sometimes the simplest shapes are the hardest to explain.
For example, the origin of the mysterious
cone-shaped region
seen on the far left remains a mystery.
The interstellar formation, dubbed the
Cone Nebula, is located about 2700
light years away.
Other features in the image include red
emission from diffuse
interstellar hydrogen,
wispy filaments of dark dust, and
bright star
S Monocerotis, visible on the far right.
Blue reflection nebulae surround the brighter stars.
The dark
Cone Nebula region clearly contains much
dust which blocks light from the
emission nebula and
open cluster
NGC 2264 behind it.
One hypothesis holds that the Cone Nebula is formed by
wind particles
from an energetic source blowing past the
Bok Globule at the head of the
cone.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: NGC 2264 - Cone nebula
Publications with words: NGC 2264 - Cone nebula
See also: