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Credit & Copyright: Chris Willocks
Explanation:
What's happening in the
Statue of Liberty nebula?
Bright stars and interesting molecules are forming and being
liberated.
The
complex
nebula resides in the star forming region called RCW 57, and besides the iconic
monument, to some looks like a
flying superhero or a
weeping angel.
By digitally removing the stars,
this re-assigned color image showcases dense knots of dark
interstellar dust, fields of glowing hydrogen
gas
ionized by these stars, and great loops of gas expelled
by dying stars.
A detailed study of NGC 3576, also known as
NGC 3582 and
NGC
3584,
uncovered at least 33 massive stars in the end stages of formation,
and the clear presence of the complex carbon molecules known as
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
PAHs are thought to be created in the cooling gas of
star forming regions,
and their development in the
Sun's formation nebula five billion years
ago may have been an important step in the
development of life on Earth.
Your Sky Surprise:
What picture did APOD feature on your birthday? (post 1995)
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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
Publications with words: emission nebula
See also: