|
Credit & Copyright: Peter Ward (Barden Ridge Observatory)
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 180 thousand light-years away, it's the largest,
most violent star forming region known in the whole Local
Group of galaxies.
The cosmic arachnid sprawls across this spectacular view,
composed with narrowband filter data centered on emission
from ionized hydrogen atoms.
Within the 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.
In fact, the frame includes the site of the closest supernova
in modern times,
SN 1987A,
left of center.
The rich field of view spans about 1 degree
or 2 full moons, in the southern
constellation
Dorado.
But were the Tarantula Nebula closer, say 1,500 light-years distant like
the local star forming Orion Nebula,
it would take up half the sky.
Still going on:
Leonid Meteor
Shower
|
January February March April May June July August September October November December |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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: LMC
Publications with words: LMC
See also: