X-rays: NASA/CXC/SAO; Optics: TA Rector (NRAO/AUI/NSF and NOIRLab/NSF/AURA) and BA Wolpa (NOIRLab/NSF/AURA); Infrared: NASA/NSF/IPAC/CalTech/Univ. of Massachusetts; Picture processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/L. Frattare & J. Main. Picture through NASA
At time for the festive season, NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory gave the world a celestial spectacle: a picture of NGC 2264, which the area company fondly calls the “Christmas Tree Cluster.” This cosmic surprise, situated roughly 2,500 light-years from Earth in our Milky Means galaxy, captures the creativeness with its astral resemblance to a glowing Christmas tree adorned with star lights.
Managed by NASA Marshall Area Flight Middle’s Chandra program dazzles once more, this time with a de facto vacation card. The visible, a composite creation, exhibits the cluster’s vibrant younger stars, with a mass from one-tenth to seven instances that of our Solar. These stars, between one and 5 million years previous, create a vivid image on the darkish canvas of area.
By rotating picture at about 150 levels from the usual astronomical upward orientation, the charming form of the Christmas tree involves life with the highest pointing upward. No want for toppers as this magnificent show is all star(s).
X-rays: NASA/CXC/SAO; Optics: TA Rector (NRAO/AUI/NSF and NOIRLab/NSF/AURA) and BA Wolpa (NOIRLab/NSF/AURA); Infrared: NASA/NSF/IPAC/CalTech/Univ. of Massachusetts; Picture processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/L. Frattare & J. Main. Picture through NASA
Inexperienced shades, displaying optical knowledge from the Nationwide Science Basis’s zero.9-meter WIYN telescope on Kitt Peak, depicts the nebula’s gasoline whereas resembling pine needles on a tree. In the meantime, the white spots, just like twinkling lights within the night time sky, symbolize infrared knowledge from the Two Micron All Sky Survey.
X-rays detected by Chandra are rendered as blue and white lights, including a stunning impact to the cosmic tree. These younger stars are identified for his or her volatility, exhibiting robust X-ray bursts and variations in various kinds of gentle, including to the dynamic nature of this celestial picture.
For good measure, NASA has supplied an animated model of this glowing festive show.
X-rays: NASA/CXC/SAO; Optics: TA Rector (NRAO/AUI/NSF and NOIRLab/NSF/AURA) and BA Wolpa (NOIRLab/NSF/AURA); Infrared: NASA/NSF/IPAC/CalTech/Univ. of Massachusetts; Picture processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/L. Frattare & J. Main. Video through NASA
As a substitute of ornaments, The “Christmas Tree Cluster” conveys the varied processes of the universe, from magnetic fields to the fluctuating thickness of gasoline that hides stars. As we enter a season of candy recollections, allow us to additionally consider the wonders that lie past our world and the continued explorations that proceed to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos.
[via The Messenger, CBS News, NASA, video and images via NASA]