Optical image of a dark nebula on the Gum nebula

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Optical image of a dark nebula on the Gum nebula

Dark nebula on Gum nebula. True-colour optical image of a dark nebula silhouetted against the bright Gum nebula in the constellation Vela. Dark nebulae are dense clouds of interstellar gas and dust which absorb the majority of the light which falls on them. They are usually only detectable by observing them against a bright background, as here. The Gum nebula, an enormous cloud of glowing, ionised hydrogen gas, is the largest nebula in the sky, with a diameter of around 60 full Moon widths. This image was produced by digitally combining photographs taken by the UK Schmidt Telescope in blue and red light

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Media ID 6446241

© CELESTIAL IMAGE CO./SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Cosmology Dark Dark Nebula Evolution Nebula Star Birth Stellar Formation Uk Schmidt Telescope Imagery Gum Nebula

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases an optical image of a dark nebula gracefully silhouetted against the vibrant backdrop of the Gum nebula in the constellation Vela. Dark nebulae, these dense clusters of interstellar gas and dust, possess a unique ability to absorb most of the light that illuminates them. Consequently, they can only be observed when juxtaposed against a luminous background like this one. The Gum nebula itself is an awe-inspiring spectacle - an immense cloud composed of ionized hydrogen gas that radiates with ethereal beauty. Spanning across the sky, it holds the distinction of being the largest nebula known to us, measuring approximately 60 times larger than our Moon's diameter. To create this stunning visual masterpiece, photographs captured by the renowned UK Schmidt Telescope were digitally combined using both blue and red light filters. The result is a true-color representation that faithfully portrays this celestial marvel. As we gaze upon this extraordinary image produced by Science Photo Library, we are reminded not only of our fascination with astronomy but also its crucial role in unraveling cosmic mysteries such as star birth and stellar formation. This photograph serves as a testament to human curiosity and scientific progress in understanding our vast universe.

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