Hubble's variable nebula. Hubble Space Telescope image of Hubble's variable nebula (NGC 2261). This nebula is illuminated by the star R Monocerotis (lower left). R Monocerotis is a variable star and is only 300,000 years old. The nebula varies also,although not with the star. Dense knots of dust near the star block some of its light from reaching the nebula. As these knots move around,the amount of light reaching the nebula changes,leading to its variations. The nebula lies around 2500 light years from Earth in the constellation Monoceros. Both the nebula and the telescope are named after the American astronomer Edwin Hubble | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / HUBBLE HERITAGE TEAM / STSCI / ESA / NASA |
Taille de l’image : | 2240 px × 2292 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |