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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.
M17: Omega Nebula Star Factory
Explanation: In the depths of the dark clouds of dust and molecular gas known as M17 , stars continue to form. The similarity to the Greek letter capital Omega gives the molecular cloud its popular name, but the nebula is also known as the Swan Nebula, the Horseshoe Nebula, and M17. The darkness of these molecular clouds results from background starlight being absorbed by thick carbon-based smoke-sized dust . As bright massive stars form, they produce intense and energetic light that slowly boils away the dark shroud. M17, pictured above , is visible with binoculars towards the constellation of Sagittarius , lies 5000 light-years away, and spans 20 light-years across.
| Date | December 10, 2002 |
|---|---|
| Credit | Credit & Copyright: Jean-Charles Cuillandre (CFHT), Hawaiian Starlight , CFHT |
| Authors & editors: | Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) |
| A service of: |
ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U. |