APOD: 2026 July 9 Б The Red Glow of the Cosmic Bat Nebula
Explanation:
This Cosmic Bat
wishes you a happy
Summerween!
This mid-year celebration of Halloween transcends hemispheres, even though summer
in the Northern hemisphere is winter in the South. Contrary to its eery aura,
the Cosmic Bat Nebula
(LDN 43),
not to be confused with
the Bat Nebula
(NGC 6995), is a vibrant
birthplace for stars.
A bit of young starlight peeks through the
dense clouds
of gas and dust that make up the Cosmic BatБs 12 lightyear wingspan. The
ultraviolet
light from the young stars energizes the nebulaБs hydrogen gas, causing it to
glow
an ominous red.
The
jet
of glowing hydrogen gas emerging from the batБs head
hints at the star formation
hidden within.
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.
