Molecular Clouds in the Carina Nebula
Explanation:
They are not alive -- but they are dying.
The unusual forms found in the
Carina nebula, a few of which are featured here,
might best be described as
evaporating.
Energetic light and winds from nearby stars are breaking apart the dark
dust grains that make the
iconic
forms opaque.
Ironically the
figures,
otherwise known as dark
molecular clouds or bright rimmed
globules,
frequently create in their midst the very stars that later
destroy them.
The floating space structures pictured here by the orbiting
Hubble Space Telescope span a few light months.
The Great Nebula in Carina itself spans about 30
light years,
lies about 7,500 light years away,
and can be seen with a small telescope
toward the constellation of Keel(Carina).
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.
