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Credit & Copyright: John Davis
Explanation:
This skyscape finds
an esthetic balance of interstellar
dust and gas residing in the suburbs of the
nebula rich
constellation of Orion.
Reflecting the light of bright star Rigel,
Beta Orionis,
the jutting, bluish chin of
the Witch Head Nebula is
at the upper left.
Whiskers tracing the red glow of
hydrogen gas ionized
by ultraviolet starlight seem to connect that
infamous visage with smaller nebulae,
like dusty reflection nebula NGC 1788 at the right.
Strong winds from Orion's bright stars have also shaped NGC 1788,
and likely triggered the formation of the young stars within.
Appropriate for its location, NGC 1788
looks to some like a
cosmic bat.
The scene spans about 3 degrees on the sky or 6 full Moons.
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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: reflection nebula - emission nebula - Witch Head Nebula
Publications with words: reflection nebula - emission nebula - Witch Head Nebula
See also: