An interstellar
expanse of glowing gas and obscuring dust presents a bird-like visage to
astronomers from planet Earth, suggesting its popular moniker, the Seagull Nebula. This broadband portrait of the cosmic bird covers a 3.5-degree wide
swath across the plane of the Milky Way, in the direction of Sirius, alpha star of the constellation of the Big Dog (Canis Major). The bright head of the Seagull Nebula is cataloged
as IC 2177, a compact, dusty emission and reflection nebula with embedded
massive star HD 53367. The larger emission region, encompassing objects with other catalog designations, is Likely part of an
extensive shell structure swept
up by successive supernova explosions. The notable bluish arc below and right
of center is a bow shock from runaway star FN Canis Majoris. Dominated by the reddish glow of atomic hydrogen,
this complex of interstellar gas and dust clouds with other stars of the Canis Majoris OB1 association spans over 200 light-years at the
Seagull Nebula’s estimated 3,800 light-year distance.
Image & info via APOD
Image Credit & Copyright: Timothy Martin
Source: The Seagull
Nebula – Scents of Science
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