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Horsehead nebula
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Horsehead nebula
Horsehead nebula, optical image. The horsehead shape is caused by dark nebula Barnard 33 (B 33). This cloud of dust and gas obscures the light from the emission nebula IC 434 that lies behind, seen here as the red region at top. The gas of this nebula glows as it is ionised by the radiation from hot stars. The bright reflection nebula NGC 2023 can also be seen to the lower left of the horsehead; reflection nebulae reflect the light of nearby stars. The Horsehead nebula lies around 1500 light years from Earth in the constellation Orion
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Media ID 1694771
© ROBERT GENDLER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Astrophysical Astrophysics Cloud Clouds Dark Nebula Dust Emission Nebula Evolution Glow Glowing Hii Region Horsehead Nebula Ic 434 Ionised Gas Nebula Nebulae Nebulosity Orion Reflection Nebula Silhouette Silhouetted Star Birth Stellar Formation Telescope Barnard 33
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This print showcases the mesmerizing Horsehead Nebula, a celestial wonder nestled within the constellation Orion. The intricate horse-shaped silhouette is formed by the enigmatic dark nebula Barnard 33 (B 33), which obscures the radiant light emitted by the IC 434 emission nebula in its background. In this image, we witness the ethereal red glow of IC 434 peeking through B 33's shroud. The gas within IC 434 glows with an otherworldly luminosity as it becomes ionized by the intense radiation emanating from nearby hot stars. Adding to this cosmic spectacle, we can also spot the brilliant reflection nebula NGC 2023 situated towards the lower left of the Horsehead Nebula. Reflection nebulae like NGC 2023 mirror and scatter light from neighboring stars, enhancing their enchanting presence. Located approximately 1500 light years away from Earth, this astronomical masterpiece serves as a testament to stellar birth and evolution in our vast universe. Its dust-filled expanse and nebulosity provide astronomers and astrophysicists with invaluable insights into star formation processes. This awe-inspiring print captures not only a breathtaking moment frozen in time but also represents humanity's unyielding curiosity about our place in space. Courtesy of Science Photo Library, it invites us to marvel at nature's grandeur while igniting our imagination about what lies beyond our earthly boundaries.
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