Astronomy Picture of the Day

    Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our
      fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation
                    written by a professional astronomer.

                               2019 August 26

                      NGC 2170: Angel Nebula Still Life
                Image Credit & Copyright: Juan Lozano de Haro

   Explanation: Is this a painting or a photograph? In this classic
   celestial still life composed with a cosmic brush, dusty nebula NGC
   2170, also known as the Angel Nebula, shines near the image center.
   Reflecting the light of nearby hot stars, NGC 2170 is joined by other
   bluish reflection nebulae, a red emission region, many dark absorption
   nebulae, and a backdrop of colorful stars. Like the common household
   items that still life painters often choose for their subjects, the
   clouds of gas, dust, and hot stars featured here are also commonly
   found in this setting -- a massive, star-forming molecular cloud in the
   constellation of the Unicorn (Monoceros). The giant molecular cloud,
   Mon R2, is impressively close, estimated to be only 2,400 light-years
   or so away. At that distance, this canvas would be over 60 light-years
   across.

                     Tomorrow's picture: antares orange
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