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Giant Twisters in the Lagoon Nebula

Giant Twisters in the Lagoon Nebula


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Giant Twisters in the Lagoon Nebula

This NASA Hubble Space Telescope (HST) image reveals a pair of one-half light-year long interstellar " twisters, " eerie funnels and twisted-rope structures in the heart of the Lagoon Nebula (Messier 8) which lies 5, 000 light-years away in the direction of the constellation Sagittarius. The central hot star, O Herschel 36 (lower right), is the primary source of the ionizing radiation for the brightest region in the nebula, called the Hourglass. Analogous to the spectacular phenomena of Earth tornadoes, the large difference in temperature between the hot surface and cold interior of the clouds, combined with the pressure of starlight, may produce strong horizontal shear to twist the clouds into their tornado-like appearance. Though the spiral shapes suggest the clouds are " twisting, " future observations will be needed, perhaps with Hubbles next generation instruments, with the spectroscopic capabilities of the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) or the Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS), to actually measure velocities. These color-coded images are the combination of individual exposures taken in July and September, 1995 with Hubbles Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2) through three narrow-band filters (red light ionized sulphur atoms, blue light, double ionized oxygen atoms, green light, ionized hydrogen)

Space Image feature a selection of NASA's incredible imagery

Media ID 635221

© NASA

Hubble Space Telescope Wfpc Galaxy Lagoon Nebula Sagittarius Wide Field Planetary Camera 2


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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the mesmerizing beauty of the Lagoon Nebula, located an astonishing 5,000 light-years away in the constellation Sagittarius. The image captured by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope unveils a pair of colossal interstellar "twisters" that stretch across half a light-year. These eerie structures resemble twisted ropes and funnels, adding an element of mystique to this celestial wonder. At the heart of the nebula lies O Herschel 36, a scorching hot star visible in the lower right corner. Its intense radiation serves as the primary source for ionizing particles within the Hourglass region—the brightest area within this cosmic spectacle. Similar to tornadoes on Earth, these giant twisters are believed to form due to stark temperature differences between their hot surfaces and frigid interiors. Coupled with pressure from starlight, these conditions create strong horizontal shear forces that twist and shape clouds into their distinctive tornado-like appearance. While these spiral shapes suggest twisting motion, further observations using advanced instruments like Hubble's Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) or Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) will be necessary to measure actual velocities accurately. The vibrant colors seen in this image result from combining individual exposures taken through narrow-band filters capturing red light emitted by ionized sulfur atoms, blue light from double-ionized oxygen atoms, and green light originating from ionized hydrogen gas. This breathtaking snapshot offers us a glimpse into the awe-inspiring wonders present beyond our world.

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