NGC 2023

This nebula surrounds a large B type star at a distance of 1600 light years from the sun. B type stars typically have a surface temperature somewhere in the range of 11,000 - 25,000 Kelvins. In comparison the sun has a temperature of 5,000 Kelvins. This star forming region has a particle density of 5000 particles per cubic centimeter. The interstellar medium (the space between stars) within our own galaxy averages 1 particle per cubic centimeter. Compare that with air near the surface of the Earth which averages 100,000,000,000,000,000,000 molecules per cubic centimeter!

This image was taken as part of Advanced Observing Program (AOP) program at Kitt Peak Visitor Center during 2014.