![Request for Information – Potential [Placeholder for Prize]](https://assets.science.nasa.gov/dynamicimage/assets/science/psd/solar/2023/09/s/solarsystem_0.jpg?w=1024)
APOD
Astronomy Picture of the Day
Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.
IC 1318: The Butterfly Nebula in Gas and Dust
Explanation: In the constellation of the swan near the nebula of the pelican lies the gas cloud of the butterfly next to a star known as the hen. That star, given the proper name Sadr , is just to the right of the featured frame, but the central Butterfly Nebula , designated IC 1318, is shown in high resolution. The intricate patterns in the bright gas and dark dust are caused by complex interactions between interstellar winds , radiation pressures, magnetic fields, and gravity. The featured telescopic view captures IC 1318 's characteristic emission from ionized sulfur , hydrogen , and oxygen atoms mapped to the red, green, and blue hues of the popular Hubble Palette . The portion of the Butterfly Nebula pictured spans about 100 light years and lies about 4000 light years away.
| Date | March 16, 2021 |
|---|---|
| Credit | Image Credit & Copyright: Alan Pham |
| Authors & editors: | Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) |
| A service of: |
ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U. |