M43: Part of Orion Nebula
M43 is part of the much larger Orion Nebula complex. Here we see an extremely bright OB star that is creating a matter bound Stromgren sphere. This means that the star is ionizing the gas that is near it, making a sphere of glowing (pink) hydrogen gas. The size of this sphere is determined by the density of gas/dust that surrounds the star. Another good example of this process can be found in IC 1274. M43 and the Orion Nebula are around 1500 light years away. Many new stars will be formed from these clouds of gas.
This image was taken as part of Advanced Observing Program (AOP) program at Kitt Peak Visitor Center during 2014.
Credit:KPNO/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/Pat and Chris Lee/Adam Block
About the Image
Id: | noao-m43lee |
Type: | Observation |
Release date: | June 9, 2014, 8:14 a.m. |
Size: | 1908 x 1463 px |
About the Object
Wallpapers
Coordinates
Position (RA): | 5 35 33.31 |
Position (Dec): | -5° 16' 44.02" |
Field of view: | 10.86 x 8.33 arcminutes |
Orientation: | North is 40.0° left of vertical |
Colors & filters
Band | Wave-length | Tele-scope |
---|---|---|
Optical B | 438 nm | Visitor Center Roll off Roof Observatory Other CCD |
Optical G | 475 nm | Visitor Center Roll off Roof Observatory Other CCD |
Optical R | 625 nm | Visitor Center Roll off Roof Observatory Other CCD |
Optical Broad Band | 555 nm | Visitor Center Roll off Roof Observatory Other CCD |