February 14, 2006
Somewhere above you, light is arriving from places so distant their names feel like poetry.
Dust and Light in the Rosette Nebula
Birthday · February 14, 2006
A little universe, just for you
Your date.
Ready to give.
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APOD published February 14, 2006. Credit: Nicolas Outters (Observatoire d'Orange). A publication-date match, not a photo taken on your date. Independent of NASA.
What creates the cosmic dust sculptures in the Rosette Nebula? Noted for the common beauty of its overall shape, parts of the Rosette Nebula, also known as NGC 2244, show beauty even when viewed up close. Visible above are globules of dark dust and gas that are slowly being eroded away by the energetic light and winds by nearby massive stars. Left alone long enough, the molecular-cloud globules would likely form stars and planets. The Rosette Nebula spans about 50 light-years across, lies about 4,500 light-years away, and can be seen with a small telescope towards the constellation of Monoceros. Happy Valentine's Day from the folks at APOD.
Image credit: Nicolas Outters (Observatoire d'Orange)