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APOD: Herschel's Cocoon (2011 Aug 19)
Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2011 4:08 am
by APOD Robot
Herschel's Cocoon
Explanation: In this remarkable infrared skyscape of interstellar clouds adrift in the
high flying constellation Cygnus, the eye is drawn to the
Cocoon Nebula. Also known as IC5146, the dusty star forming region is shown in blue hues in
the Herschel Space Observatory false color image, at wavelengths more than 100 times longer than visible red light. And while visible light images
show the Cocoon nebula at the end of long dark nebula
Barnard 168, Hershel's
infrared view finds the cosmic Cocoon punctuating a trail of filamentary clouds of glowing dust. The dusty filaments have widths that suggest they are formed as shockwaves from exploding stars travel through the medium, sweeping up and compressing the
interstellar dust and gas.
Herschel data also indicate stars are forming along the dusty filaments.
The Cocoon Nebula itself is about 15 light-years wide and 4,000 light-years away.
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Re: APOD: Herschel s Cocoon (2011 Aug 19)
Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2011 5:02 am
by Beyond
I can't wait to see what's going to burst forth from that giant cocoon. But alas, this planet will probably be long gone by the time that happens. Oh-well.
Re: APOD: Herschel s Cocoon (2011 Aug 19)
Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2011 5:10 am
by Ann
Well, it looks like a pretty blue flower. And that's good, because there is a bright blue star inside it. And a lot of little yellow ones.
Ann
Re: APOD: Herschel's Cocoon (2011 Aug 19)
Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2011 8:37 am
by nstahl
This is a great APOD. Dramatic picture, interesting astronomical topic, even new research.
Re: APOD: Herschel s Cocoon (2011 Aug 19)
Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2011 12:23 pm
by orin stepanek
Beyond wrote:I can't wait to see what's going to burst forth from that giant cocoon. But alas, this planet will probably be long gone by the time that happens. Oh-well.
From cocoons come pretty butterflies!
Re: APOD: Herschel's Cocoon (2011 Aug 19)
Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2011 1:22 pm
by magicman
this is truly a work of art, wish I'd painted it, maybe I will
Re: APOD: Herschel's Cocoon (2011 Aug 19)
Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2011 9:33 pm
by imustbeirish
The, um...cocoon is named after...um...William Herschel. I wish I could visit the cocoon. Really, Lord? Thanks so MUCH!
(Burp)( Laughs) He said I could visit it any time I want!!! Boy, um, heaven is GREAT!!!
Re: APOD: Herschel's Cocoon (2011 Aug 19)
Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 3:52 am
by saturn2
Cocoon Nebula.
It has a star forming region.
Distance from Earth to Cocoon Nebula 4,000 light-years.
This image is very peculiar.
Re: APOD: Herschel's Cocoon (2011 Aug 19)
Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 1:27 pm
by Case
The ~30° rotation of the image doesn't seem to make much sense at first sight.
Re: APOD: Herschel's Cocoon (2011 Aug 19)
Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2011 12:20 am
by NoelC
Case wrote:The ~30° rotation of the image doesn't seem to make much sense at first sight.
I believe they've oriented the image so North is straight up.
Here's an blink comparison between the IR APOD and a visible light image of the same area. Click the image to see a larger one.
-Noel
