The Colorful Clouds of Rho Ophiuchi
Explanation:
This
stunning mosiac of the sky around bright stars
Antares (Alpha
Scorpii)
and
Rho Ophiuchi
reveals spectacular colors in a cosmic starscape.
Near the top, Rho Ophiuchi and nearby stars
are immersed in blue reflection nebulae - dust
clouds that shine primarily by
reflected starlight.
Cool supergiant star
Antares
(lower left) is itself shedding the
material that reflects the evolved star's yellowish hue.
Characteristic of star forming regions, the telltale red
emission from
hydrogen gas also
permeates the view along with dark, obscuring
dust clouds seen
in silhouette against the background stars
and brighter nebulosities.
About 500 light-years away,
the
Rho Ophiuchi star clouds,
are well in front of the nearby
globular star
cluster
M4, visible
just below and right of center.
The view spans about 2 degrees (four full Moons) on the sky.
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.
