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Credit: J. C. Casado
Explanation:
Orion is big. Some of the stars that form the constellation of Orion are part of a giant gas cloud
complex that stretches over 100 light years and
appears more than 50 times the diameter of the Moon.
Components of this cloud include the
Horsehead Nebula, the
Orion Nebula, the
Trapezium
open cluster, and
small disks
containing stellar systems which are just forming.
At 1500 light years,
Orion is the closest star forming region to Earth.
Close inspection of the photo's center should reveal the
three stars which form the
belt of Orion.
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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: nebula - Orion
Publications with words: nebula - Orion
See also: