Astronomy Picture of the Day

Explanation: Comet Hale-Bopp's 1997 encounter with the inner Solar System allowed many breath-taking pictures. Above, Comet Hale-Bopp was photographed crossing the constellation of Cygnus, sporting spectacular yellow dust and blue ion tails. Visible on the right in red is the North America Nebula, a bright emission nebula observable from a dark location with binoculars. The North America Nebula is about 1500 light-years away, much farther than the comet, which was only about 8 light minutes away. Several bright blue stars from the open cluster M39 are visible just above the comet's blue ion tail.

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Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.

Publications with keywords: Comet Hale-Bopp - North America Nebula
Publications with words: Comet Hale-Bopp - North America Nebula
See also:

• The North America Nebula in Infrared
• North America and the Pelican
• Nebulae in the Northern Cross
• The North America and Pelican Nebulae
• The North America Nebula
• Comet Hale Bopp Over Val Parola Pass
• A Pelican in the Swan

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