The Tarantula Nebula from SuperBIT
Explanation:
The
Tarantula Nebula, also known as 30 Doradus,
is more than a thousand light-years in diameter,
a giant star forming region within nearby satellite galaxy the
Large Magellanic Cloud.
About 160 thousand light-years away, it's the largest,
most violent star forming region known in the whole Local
Group of galaxies.
The cosmic arachnid is near the center of this spectacular image
taken during the
flight
of SuperBIT
(Super Pressure Balloon Imaging Telescope),
NASA's balloon-borne 0.5 meter telescope
now
floating near the edge of space.
Within the well-studied Tarantula (NGC 2070),
intense radiation,
stellar winds and supernova shocks from the central young cluster of
massive stars, cataloged as
R136,
energize the nebular glow and shape the spidery filaments.
Around the Tarantula
are other star forming regions with
young star clusters, filaments, and blown-out
bubble-shaped clouds.
SuperBIT's wide field of view spans over 2 degrees
or 4 full moons in the southern
constellation Dorado.
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.
