Star Cluster R136 Breaks Out
Explanation:
In the center of nearby star-forming region lies a huge cluster
containing some of the largest, hottest, and most massive stars known.
These stars, known collectively as
star cluster R136,
part of the Tarantula Nebula, were captured in the
featured
image in
visible light in 2009
through the
Hubble Space Telescope.
Gas and
dust clouds in the
Tarantula Nebula,
have been sculpted into
elongated shapes by powerful
winds and
ultraviolet radiation
from these hot cluster stars.
The
Tarantula Nebula
lies within a neighboring galaxy known as the
Large Magellanic Cloud and is located a mere 170,000
light-years away.
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.
