Reflection Nebula NGC 6590 in Sagittarius | Steward Observatory

Reflection Nebula NGC 6590 in Sagittarius | Steward Observatory

NGC 6590 is a reflection nebula in the constellation of Sagittarius. This nebula is near the similar reflection nebula NGC 6589. Both nebulas are flanked by red emission nebula IC 1284. 

Distance:  ~5,900 light years away

What causes the colors in this beautiful nebulosity in Sagittarius? The colors of this nebulosity are caused by gas and dust. The blue color of the nebula nearest the bright stars is caused by reflections off interstellar dust. The dust emits little visible light of its own—in the absence of a nearby star the dust would appear dark, blocking light from background stars. The red color of the nebula farthest from the bright stars is caused by glowing hydrogen gas. Energetic light from the central stars ionizes hydrogen gas, which glows red when recombining with a local electron.

Technical Details:

Optics: Phillips 24-inch RCOS Telescope

Camera: SBIG STL11000

Credit: Adam Block/Steward Observatory/University of Arizona 

Image Date: Aug. 1, 2009

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