East of the Lagoon Nebula
Explanation:
To the
east of the Lagoon Nebula is a star field rich in diversity.
On the lower left are clouds rich in
dark dust that
hide background stars and
young star systems still forming.
Dark clouds include
LDN 227 on the left and IC 1275 on the right,
with a bright star near its tip.
On the upper right are
clouds rich in hot glowing gas,
including part of the
emission nebula
NGC 6559 light from a
group of massive blue stars.
The NGC 6559 complex pictured above spans about 3
light years and likely has a common history with the
Lagoon Nebula.
The
complex
lies about 5000
light-years away toward the
constellation of
Sagittarius.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
