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Credit & Copyright: Peter Erdman
(Embry-Riddle U.)
Explanation:
Why is the
Horsehead Nebula surrounded by a bubble?
Although glowing like an
emission nebula,
the origin of the
bubble, known as
Barnard's Loop, is currently unknown.
Progenitor hypotheses include the
winds
from bright Orion stars and the
supernovas
of stars long gone.
Barnard's Loop is too faint to be identified with the unaided eye.
The nebula
was discovered only in 1895 by
E. E. Barnard on long duration film exposures.
The above image was taken in a single
specific color emitted
by
hydrogen to bring out detail.
To the left of the
Horsehead Nebula,
visible as the small dark indentation
near the image top, is the photogenic
Flame Nebula.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: emission nebula - Horsehead Nebula
Publications with words: emission nebula - Horsehead Nebula
See also:
- APOD: 2025 February 18 Á Thors Helmet versus the Seagull
- APOD: 2025 February 11 Á The Spider and the Fly
- APOD: 2024 December 17 Á Near to the Heart Nebula
- APOD: 2024 November 25 Á The Horsehead Nebula
- The Elephant s Trunk in Cepheus
- Phantoms in Cassiopeia
- APOD: 2024 September 10 Á Horsehead and Orion Nebulas