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Optical image of the Tarantula nebula in Dorado
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Optical image of the Tarantula nebula in Dorado
Tarantula nebula. True-colour optical image of the Tarantula nebula (NGC 2070, 30 Doradonis) in the constellation Dorado. This immense nebula is not actually in our galaxy, the Milky Way, at all, but is in one of the Milky Ways satellite galaxies, the Large Magellanic Cloud. This small galaxy lies around 170, 000 light years from Earth. The nebula is a huge cloud of hydrogen gas ionised by hot, young stars at its centre. It is thought to cover over 5000 light years, dwarfing any such nebula in our galaxy. The great Orion nebula, by comparison, is around 15 light years wide. This image was produced by digitally combining photographs taken by the UK Schmidt Telescope in blue and red light
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Media ID 6445265
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Cosmology Emission Nebula Evolution Nebula Star Birth Stellar Formation Tarantula Tarantula Nebula Uk Schmidt Telescope Imagery Ngc 2070
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This print showcases the awe-inspiring Tarantula nebula in Dorado, a true-colour optical image that reveals its mesmerizing beauty. Contrary to popular belief, this immense celestial wonder is not located within our own Milky Way galaxy but resides in one of its satellite galaxies called the Large Magellanic Cloud. Situated approximately 170,000 light years away from Earth, this small galaxy holds the Tarantula nebula as one of its most striking features. Stretching across an astonishing expanse of over 5000 light years, this colossal cloud consists primarily of hydrogen gas that has been ionized by the intense heat emitted from young and vibrant stars at its core. In comparison to similar nebulas found within our own galaxy, such as the renowned Orion nebula spanning a mere 15 light years wide, the Tarantula nebula truly dwarfs them all. The remarkable image before us was meticulously created by digitally merging photographs taken using both blue and red light filters by none other than the prestigious UK Schmidt Telescope. This masterpiece serves as a testament to humanity's insatiable curiosity about our universe and provides invaluable insights into star birth and stellar formation processes. As we gaze upon this breathtaking cosmic marvel captured by Science Photo Library, we are reminded of how vast and wondrous our universe truly is - an ever-evolving realm filled with mysteries waiting to be unraveled through scientific exploration.
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