APOD 1.5




A Beautiful Trifid (May 13, 2011)

  This photo is of M20, the Trifid Nebula, and it's about 5,000 light-years away from Earth and 40 light-years in diameter.  It is near the constellation Sagittarius, also known as the Archer.  This nebula has three distinct types of astronomical nebulae: red emission nebulae, blue reflection nebulae, and dark nebulae.  The red emission nebulae is basically light emitted from hydrogen atoms.  Blue reflection nebulae are produced by the reflection of starlight on dust.  In dark nebulae, dense dust clouds appear as a silhouette.
The red-pink area reminds me of cracked clay; it adds depth to the photograph.
I find nebulae to be quite fascinating; the whole concept it quite incredible.  I love that gases and dust can create such beautiful sculptures within the universe.