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Credit & Copyright: Lyman Insley
Explanation:
In the heart of the
Rosette Nebula lies a bright
cluster
of stars that lights up the nebula.
The stars of NGC 2244 formed from the surrounding gas only a few million years ago.
The featured image
taken in mid-January using multiple exposures and very specific colors of
Sulfur (shaded red),
Hydrogen (green), and
Oxygen (blue),
captures the central region in tremendous detail.
A hot wind of particles streams away from the cluster
stars and contributes to an already
complex menagerie of gas and
dust
filaments while slowly evacuating the cluster center.
The Rosette Nebula's
center measures about 50 light-years across,
lies about 5,200 light-years away,
and is visible with binoculars towards the constellation of
the Unicorn
(Monoceros).
Your Sky Surprise:
What picture did APOD feature on your birthday? (post 1995)
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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: NGC 2244 - Rosette Nebula
Publications with words: NGC 2244 - Rosette Nebula
See also: