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Credit & Copyright: Michael Sherick
Explanation:
The North America Nebula in the sky can do what
North Americans on Earth cannot -- form stars.
Specifically, in analogy to the
Earth-confined continent, the bright part that appears as Central
America and
Mexico is actually a hot bed of gas, dust, and newly formed stars
known as the
Cygnus Wall.
The above image in representative colors shows the star forming wall
lit and eroded by
bright young stars,
and partly hidden by the dark
dust they have created.
The part of the North America nebula (NGC 7000) shown
spans about 15 light years and lies about 1,500 light years away toward the
constellation of
Cygnus.
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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: Cygnus Wall - star formation
Publications with words: Cygnus Wall - star formation
See also: