Saturday, April 5, 2014

Star Formation: MAPOD

Moiya's Astronomy Picture of the Day


Trifid Nebula

Photo Credit: Spitzer Space Telescope

Explanation:  Also known as Messier 20 or NGC 6514, the Trifod Nebula is around $1.6\times 10^{3}$pc away by the constellation Sagittarius.  Since its discovery in 1764, the nebula has become a favorite for amateur astronomers because it's relatively bright even through strong binoculars.  Astronomers have found over 100 newborn stars and 30 still-forming stars.  The gas used in many of the still-forming stars is believed to be left over from the formation of Type O star, shown as the white spot in the center of the picture.  


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