IC 5146: The Cocoon Nebula
Explanation:
How did this nebula get created?
The
Cocoon Nebula, cataloged as
IC 5146, is a
strikingly beautiful nebula located about 4,000
light years away toward the
constellation of
Cygnus.
Inside the Cocoon is a newly developing
open cluster
of stars.
Like other
stellar nurseries,
the Cocoon Nebula is, at the same time, an
emission nebula, a
reflection nebula, and an
absorption nebula.
Speculation based on recent measurements holds
that the massive star in the center of the
above image opened a hole in an existing
molecular cloud
through which much of the glowing material flows.
The same star, which formed about 100,000 years ago,
now provides the energy source for much of the emitted
and reflected light from this nebula.
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.
