Optical image of the Coal Sack dark nebula (centre),which is found on the border between the constellations of Crux (Southern Cross) and Musca. Dark nebulae are caused by the presence of clouds of interstellar dust,which scatter and absorb the radiation from the stars situated behind it. Three of the four stars which form the familiar pattern of the constellation of Crux are visible here. Alpha Crucis is the brighter,blue star at bottom centre right,Gamma Crucis is the bright red star at top right and Beta Crucis the brighter blue object at top centre right. The open star cluster NGC 4755 lies below and to the left of Beta Crucis | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / REV RONALD ROYER |
Taille de l’image : | 3534 px × 5079 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |