N11B: Star Cloud of the LMC
Explanation:
Massive stars, abrasive
winds, mountains of
dust, and
energetic light
sculpt one of the largest and most picturesque regions of
star formation in the
Local Group of Galaxies.
Known as N11, the region is
visible on the upper right of many images of its home galaxy, the
Milky Way neighbor known as the
Large Magellanic Clouds (LMC).
The
above image actually highlights
N11B, part of the nebula that spans about 100
light years and is particularly active.
The entire emission nebula N11 is second in LMC size only to
30 Doradus.
Studying the stars in N11B has
shown that it actually houses three successive
generations of star formation.
Compact
globules of dark dust
housing emerging young stars are also visible on the upper right.
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.
