October 31, 2008
Every candle on your cake is a tiny imitation of the stars that made you possible.
A Witch by Starlight
Birthday · October 31, 2008
A little universe, just for you
Your date.
Ready to give.
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APOD published October 31, 2008. Credit: Star Shadows Remote Observatory. A publication-date match, not a photo taken on your date. Independent of NASA.
By starlight this eerie visage shines in the dark, a crooked profile evoking its popular name, the Witch Head Nebula. In fact, this entrancing telescopic portrait gives the impression the witch has fixed her gaze on Orion's bright supergiant star Rigel. Spanning over 50 light-years, the dusty cosmic cloud strongly reflects nearby Rigel's blue light, giving it the characteristic color of a reflection nebula. Cataloged as IC 2118, the Witch Head Nebula is about 1,000 light-years away. Of course, you might see a witch this scary tonight, but don't panic. Have a safe and Happy Halloween! Take a survey on Aesthetics and Astronomy.
Image credit: Star Shadows Remote Observatory