Saturday, December 28, 2019

Emission Nebula Sh 2-296: the Seagull Nebula

Emission Nebula Sh 2-296: the Seagull Nebula
Click on the image for higher resolution (4.9 MB)

Colourful and wispy Sh 2-296, also known as Sharpless 2-296, forms the “wings” of an area of sky known as the Seagull Nebula – named for its resemblance to a gull in flight. This celestial bird contains a fascinating mix of intriguing astronomical objects. Glowing clouds weave amid dark dust lanes and bright stars. The Seagull Nebula – made up of dust, hydrogen, helium and traces of heavier elements – is the hot and energetic birthplace of new stars.
Image Credit: ESO/VPHAS+ team/N.J. Wright (Keele University)
Image enhancement: Jean-Baptiste Faure

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