APOD: Sh2-132: The Lion Nebula (2024 Jun 10)

[APOD Robot]

Sh2-132: The Lion Nebula

Explanation: Is the Lion Nebula the real ruler of the constellation Cepheus? This powerful feline appearing nebula is powered by two massive stars, each with a mass over 20 times greater than our Sun. Formed from shells of ionized gas that have expanded, the nebula's energetic matter not only glows, but is dense enough to contract gravitationally and form stars. The angular size of the Lion Nebula, officially named Sh2-132, is slightly greater than that of the full moon. The gaseous iconic region resides about 10,000 light years away in a constellation named after the King of Aethopia in Greek mythology.

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[Ann]

Well, it's a narrowband image of a nebula that I don't know well, so I have little to say about it.

Sh2-132: The Lion Nebula. Image Credit & Copyright: Imran Badr; Text: Natalia Lewandowska (SUNY Oswego)

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Crepuscular rays. Source: Britannica.

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But I like the light pillar emerging from the upper left part of the nebula, like a crepuscular ray here on Earth.

Ann

[johnnydeep]

So far, I am able to see exactly zero lions in this nebula.

EDIT - ok, perhaps this is it:

lion nebula lion.jpg

[Chris Peterson]

So far, I am able to see exactly zero lions in this nebula.

EDIT - ok, perhaps this is it:


lion nebula lion.jpg

Maybe this? (Probably have to click on it.)
_

qu9m8y5l.gif

[johnnydeep]

So far, I am able to see exactly zero lions in this nebula.

EDIT - ok, perhaps this is it:


lion nebula lion.jpg

Maybe this? (Probably have to click on it.)
_
qu9m8y5l.gif

Yeah, that's certainly better. Big lion head, no body. Still tough to see it though! Maybe big head little bod version:

lion nebula lion 2.jpg

[zeecatman]

So far, I am able to see exactly zero lions in this nebula.

Somehow I knew this would be the main topic of discussion

This is what I decided on:

LionNeb_Badr_3720.jpg

[johnnydeep]

So far, I am able to see exactly zero lions in this nebula.

Somehow I knew this would be the main topic of discussion

This is what I decided on:

LionNeb_Badr_3720.jpg

Yeah, that's about what my last reply approximated, though your outline is more refined.

[Avalon]

Thanks, Chris. I couldn't make out a lion, either, and your explanation fits perfectly!