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Thursday, November 10, 2022

The Cone Nebula: 60th Anniversary Image | ESO

The Cone Nebula: 60th Anniversary Image | ESO

Happy 60th Anniversary to the European Southern Observatory!

The Cone Nebula is part of a star-forming region of space, NGC 2264, about 2,500 light-years away. Its pillar-like appearance is a perfect example of the shapes that can develop in giant clouds of cold molecular gas and dust, known for creating new stars. This dramatic new view of the nebula was captured with the FOcal Reducer and low dispersion Spectrograph 2 (FORS2) instrument on the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (VLT), and released on the occasion of ESO’s 60th anniversary. 

Image Description: This image shows the Cone Nebula at the center of the picture taking up most of the frame. The shape of the dark nebulous cloud is that of a cone, pointing upwards. At the top and surrounding the cone are bright yellow stars of different sizes, tiny dots and bigger gassy spheres. To the left of the central figure, abstract dusty patterns are fading upwards. The top shines brightly, lit up by luminous stars.


Credit: European Southern Observatory (ESO)

Release Date: November 10, 2022


#NASA #ESO #Space #Astronomy #Science #Nebula #ConeNebula #NGC2264 #Monoceros #Constellation #MilkyWayGalaxy #Cosmos #Universe #VLT #FORS2 #Telescope #Chile #Europe #STEM #Education

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