When in doubt, look at pretty space pictures. This one is the Fox Fur Nebula.
This vibrant image depicts a turbulent area of outer space which, to some, evokes a fox, hence the name Fox Fur Nebula. It lies in the constellation Monoceros, the Unicorn, near the left arm of Orion, just below the large, bright star S Mon (not visible in this image).Via Space.com.
The enigmatically textured shapes comprise dust and gas, whipped into peculiar shapes by powerful stellar winds. Blue-colored areas are formed of dust reflecting starlight. Red areas are glowing from emission caused by the ionization of hydrogen gas by starlight.
The Fox Fur Nebula is part of a much larger complex known as The Christmas Tree Cluster.
I don't see a fox, do you?
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1 comment:
I've never seen this one in the backyard 'scope. I'll have to try looking for it soon. Orion is nicely placed for viewing this time of year.
Backyard Astronomer
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