Explanation: The W-shaped ridge of emission featured in this vivid skyscape is known as the Cygnus Wall. Part of a larger emission nebula with a distinctive outline popularly called The North America Nebula, the cosmic ridge spans about 20 light-years. Constructed using narrowband data to highlight the telltale reddish glow from ionized hydrogen atoms recombining with electrons, the two frame mosaic image follows an ionization front with fine details of dark, dusty forms in silhouette. Sculpted by energetic radiation from the region's young, hot, massive stars, the dark shapes inhabiting the view are clouds of cool gas and dust with stars likely forming within. The North America Nebula itself, NGC 7000, is about 1,500 light-years away.
You'd think it would be more popularly known as Mexico, rather than the Cygnus Wall. To my simple eye, it looks a bit similar to the back of the Pelican's neck (nearby in the "Caribbean") as seen recently in this detail: http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap150304.html. I wonder if there are lots of HH objects lurking in "Mexico", too?
Re: APOD: Along the Cygnus Wall (2015 Mar 12)
Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2015 5:15 am
by Ann
APOD Robot wrote:
Constructed using narrowband data to highlight the telltale reddish glow from ionized hydrogen atoms recombining with electrons, the two frame mosaic image follows an ionization front with fine details of dark, dusty forms in silhouette.
To me this looks like a Ha + RGB photo.
It's a beautiful picture, too.
Ann
Re: APOD: Along the Cygnus Wall (2015 Mar 12)
Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2015 5:24 am
by geckzilla
Ann wrote:
APOD Robot wrote:
Constructed using narrowband data to highlight the telltale reddish glow from ionized hydrogen atoms recombining with electrons, the two frame mosaic image follows an ionization front with fine details of dark, dusty forms in silhouette.
To me this looks like a Ha + RGB photo.
From Jimmy's Website. (Guessing is not necessary this time.)
The Cygnus Wall
2 frames Mosaic
16" RCOS
Apogee F16
NMSkies Remote
June/July 2013
HaLRGB (4,3,1.5,1.5,1.5) each frame
It's pink and a wall and sculpted by some energetic young guitars players that became massive stars too.
Click to play embedded YouTube video.
Guess the bricks in the wall are the hydrogen atoms. Not bad symmetry to start our day. Thanks!!
Re: APOD: Along the Cygnus Wall (2015 Mar 12)
Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2015 2:11 pm
by starsurfer
Nitpicker wrote:You'd think it would be more popularly known as Mexico, rather than the Cygnus Wall. To my simple eye, it looks a bit similar to the back of the Pelican's neck (nearby in the "Caribbean") as seen recently in this detail: http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap150304.html. I wonder if there are lots of HH objects lurking in "Mexico", too?
Part of the North America Nebula and LDN 935 complex is nicknamed the Gulf of Mexico, which also includes the Cygnus Wall ionization front. This is an interface between hot gas and cold dust and another nice example is the rim part of the southern emission nebula NGC 6188.
Re: APOD: Along the Cygnus Wall (2015 Mar 12)
Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2015 2:11 pm
by starsurfer
I wonder if tomorrow's APOD is M13?
Re: APOD: Along the Cygnus Wall (2015 Mar 12)
Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2015 2:25 pm
by Chris Peterson
starsurfer wrote:I wonder if tomorrow's APOD is M13?
Maybe. Of course, they could have kept the theme going for the entire month.
Along the Cygnus Wall
