The Lagoon Nebula in Three Colors

Discussion in 'Astronomy, Exobiology, & Cosmology' started by wet1, Oct 7, 2002.

  1. wet1 Wanderer Registered Senior Member

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    The Lagoon Nebula in Three Colors
    Credit: R. Barba, N. Morrell et al. (UNLP), CTIO, NOAO, NSF

    The bright Lagoon Nebula is home to a diverse array of astronomical objects. Particularly interesting sources include a bright open cluster of stars and several energetic star-forming regions. When viewed by eye, cluster light is dominated by an overall red glow that is caused by luminous hydrogen gas, while the dark filaments are caused by absorption by dense lanes of dust. The above picture, from the Curtis-Schmidt Telescope, however, shows the nebula's emission in three exact colors specifically emitted by hydrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. The Lagoon Nebula, also known as M8 and NGC 6523, lies about 5000 light-years away. The Lagoon Nebula can be located with binoculars in the constellation of Sagittarius spanning a region over three times the diameter of a full Moon.
     
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  3. Thor "Pfft, Rebel scum!" Valued Senior Member

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    Another awe inspiring thread by Wet1

    Where do you get all this information? I need to know, well, I want to know.

    Do tell, please
     
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