Star Cluster in the Rosette Nebula
Explanation:
Embedded in the center of the colorful and photogenic
Rosette Nebula is a bright, young
open cluster. The bright blue
stars in this cluster, labelled NGC 2244, emit
ultraviolet light that
knocks electrons away from
hydrogen atoms.
When the electrons fall back,
they emit the red light which distinctively defines the glow of all
emission nebulae. The
Rosette Nebula is thousands of light years distant,
but light would take only about 100 years to cross it. The
Rosette Nebula
is not difficult to observer and, although faint, actually appears larger
than the
full moon.
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.
