In the Center of NGC 6559
Explanation:
Bright gas and dark dust permeate the space between
stars in the center of a nebula known as
NGC 6559.
The gas, primarily
hydrogen, is responsible for the diffuse red glow of the
emission nebula.
As energetic light from neighboring stars ionizes
interstellar hydrogen,
protons and
electrons recombine to emit
light of very
specific colors, including the
red hue observed.
Small
dust particles
reflect blue starlight efficiently and so creates the blue
reflection nebulosity
seen near two of the bright stars.
Dust also absorbs visible light, causing the
dark clouds and
filaments visible.
NGC 6559 lies about 5000
light-years away toward the constellation of
Sagittarius.
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.
