Cosmic Seagull Has Vivid Colors

The La Silla Observatory from the European Southern Observatory has unveiled yet another breathtaking cosmic image. Essentially made up of gas, what was previously known as Sharpless 2-292 is now more popularly referred to as the Seagull Nebula, its nickname rather than the scientific name. It resembles the head of a seagull right in the midst of it is a very hot young star, whereby its high energy radiation contributes to that bright glow. The highly detailed image was made possible with the Wide Field Imager software with the help of the MPG/ESO 2.2-m diameter telescope.

Nebulae are the brightest things you can see in the still of dark night. They consist of clouds made up of helium, hydrogen, molecules dust and other ionized gases, the sorts of elements associated with newly born stars. Regardless of the shapes and colors they take on (and there are a lot of varieties), one characteristic remains unchangeable: it often intrigues, perhaps awes, astronomers enough to drive them to come out with all sorts of obscure names. And one of the most popularly nebulae around is perhaps the Seagull Nebula.

Image [Click to enlarge]

Chile's La Silla Observatory is largely responsible behind the spotting of the Seagull Nebula. It represents just the top end of the larger nebula (the formal name is actually IC 2177). The image resembles a seagull in full flight. It is definitely some sort of seagull in full flight as its wing span measures over 100 light-years. This combination of dust and gas is at a distance of some 3700 light-years from us earthlings.

Somewhere between The Unicorn (Monoceros) and The Great Dog (Canis Major) lies this Seagull Nebula. It is also close to Sirius, so it benefits from the illuminations from the brightest star in the sky. But to pout things in perspective, the nebula is measured over 400 times (in comparison to Sirius) further away from where we.

As mentioned earlier, the center of attention of this complex consternation of gas and dust is that lone young star -- HD 53367 [2] – which emits strong radiations to make that head of seagull visible. For the sake of completeness, the lone star occupies the spot where the seagull's eye is supposed to be.

Coincidentally, this nebula is also located somewhere near to the Thor's Helmet Nebula (NGC 2359) in the sky. The Thor's Helmet Nebula is a popular choice among the scientific community due to it peculiar shape and unusual name. The public seems to be receptive of this nebula, it is voted as top choice by ESO's Very Large Telescope. Regardless of your inclination or your choice of nebula or star, get on the celebration modes on the day of ESO's 50th anniversary. Scheduled on 5 October 2012, the party will be streamed live from Paranal. Check internet for free broadcasting!