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Optical image of Rho Ophiuchi reflection nebula
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Optical image of Rho Ophiuchi reflection nebula
Rho Ophiuchi nebula. True-colour optical image of nebulosity (IC 4604) surrounding the star Rho Ophiuchi (upper centre) in the constellation Ophiuchus. This is an excellent example of a reflection nebula. These clouds of gas and dust do not have any light of their own, but reflect the light of nearby stars. They typically appear blue as blue light is scattered more than red light. Dark dust clouds can be seen blocking the light of background stars at lower left. The reddish star at lower right is Omicron Scorpii, in Scorpius. This image was produced by digitally combining photographs taken by the UK Schmidt Telescope in blue and red light
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Cosmology Evolution Nebula Ophiuchus Reflection Reflection Nebula Star Star Birth Stellar Formation Uk Schmidt Telescope Imagery Rho Ophiuchi
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This print showcases the mesmerizing beauty of the Rho Ophiuchi reflection nebula, also known as IC 4604, located in the constellation Ophiuchus. The true-colour optical image captures the ethereal nebulosity enveloping the prominent star Rho Ophiuchi at its upper center. As a prime example of a reflection nebula, this celestial wonder is formed by clouds of gas and dust that lack their own light but instead reflect the radiant glow emitted by neighboring stars. The breathtaking blue hue dominating this image results from blue light being scattered more than red light within these cosmic clouds. In contrast, dark dust clouds can be observed obstructing the luminosity emanating from background stars at lower left, adding depth and intrigue to this celestial vista. Notably, Omicron Scorpii, a reddish star situated at lower right in Scorpius constellation, adds a contrasting touch to this cosmic tableau. Expertly produced by digitally combining photographs taken with precision by the renowned UK Schmidt Telescope in both blue and red light spectrums, this remarkable visual representation allows us to marvel at nature's artistic prowess on an astronomical scale. This awe-inspiring photograph serves as a testament to humanity's unending fascination with our universe's evolution and cosmology while highlighting phenomena such as stellar formation and star birth within reflection nebulas like Rho Ophiuchi (IC 4604).
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