![]() |
Credit & Copyright: Kent Wood
Explanation:
Sprawling
across hundreds of light-years, emission
nebula IC 1396 mixes glowing cosmic gas and
dark dust clouds.
Stars are forming in this area, only about 3,000
light-years
from Earth.
This detailed view
was created in light primarily emitted by
hydrogen gas,
recorded through a
filter
that narrowly transmits a
wavelength characteristic of
glowing hydrogen atoms in the nebula.
Among the intriguing dark shapes within
IC 1396,
the winding Elephant's Trunk nebula lies just left center.
IC 1396 lies in the high and far off constellation
of Cepheus.
APOD presents: Astronomy Pictures of the Year for 2007
January February March April May June July August September October November December |
|
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: IC 1396 - Elephant's Trunk Nebula - emission nebula
Publications with words: IC 1396 - Elephant's Trunk Nebula - emission nebula
See also: