Home > Science > Space Exploration > Nebulas
Tornado-like structures in the Lagoon Nebula, M8
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Tornado-like structures in the Lagoon Nebula, M8
Lagoon Nebula. Optical image of tornado-like structures (upper centre & lower left) in the Lagoon Nebula (Messier 8) which lies in the Sagittarius constellation. The dusty gas (brown) of the Nebula is being ionised by radiation from nearby, hot stars, including O Herschel 36 (bright red, lower right). This is causing a blue mist to evaporate from the Nebulas surface. The temperature difference between the hot surface and cool interior of the Nebula, combined with the radiation pressure from the stars, produces strong, shearing forces which twist the clouds into tornados. Image by the Hubble Telescope
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6445637
© NASA/ESA/STSCI/A.CAULET, ST-ECF/ SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Cosmology Dust Evolution Lagoon Lagoon Nebula Nebula Optical Image Sagittarius Star Star Birth Stellar Formation Messier 8
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Science
> Space Exploration
> Hubble Telescope
> Science
> Space Exploration
> Nebulas
> Science
> Space Exploration
> Telescopes Optical
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the awe-inspiring tornado-like structures found within the Lagoon Nebula, also known as Messier 8. Located in the Sagittarius constellation, this celestial wonder is a sight to behold. The image reveals an optical view of these swirling formations, visible in both the upper center and lower left regions. The mesmerizing brown hue represents dusty gas within the nebula that becomes ionized by radiation emitted from nearby hot stars. One such star, O Herschel 36, radiates a vibrant red glow in the lower right corner of the image. As this intense radiation interacts with the nebula's surface, it causes a beautiful blue mist to evaporate into space. The incredible forces at play here are responsible for shaping these tornado-like clouds within the Lagoon Nebula. The temperature disparity between its scorching surface and cooler interior combined with radiation pressure exerted by neighboring stars creates powerful shearing forces that twist and contort these cloud formations into their distinctive shape. Captured by none other than Hubble Telescope, this optical image offers us a glimpse into stellar birth and formation processes occurring millions of light-years away. It serves as a testament to our ever-expanding knowledge of cosmology and deepens our understanding of how galaxies evolve over time.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
