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Астронет: Астрономическая картинка дня Звезды и глобулы в туманности Бегущий Цыпленок http://www.variable-stars.ru/db/msg/1827986/eng |
Credit & Copyright: Stefan Steve Bemmerl
Explanation:
The eggs from this gigantic chicken may form into stars.
The featured emission nebula, shown in scientifically assigned colors, is cataloged
as
IC 2944 but known as the
Running Chicken Nebula for the shape of its greater appearance.
Seen toward the bottom of the image are small, dark
molecular clouds rich in obscuring
cosmic dust.
Called Thackeray's Globules for their
discoverer,
these "eggs" are potential sites for the
gravitational
condensation of new
stars,
although their fates are uncertain as they are also being rapidly
eroded away
by the intense radiation from nearby young stars.
Together
with patchy glowing gas and complex regions of reflecting dust,
these massive and energetic stars form the
open cluster
Collinder 249.
This gorgeous skyscape
spans about 60 light-years
at the nebula's estimated 6,500
light-year distance.
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.