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Images de 'Star Of David' médias trouvés, 2,402

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Constellation of Centaurus - Constellation of Centaurus - Also visible are the constellations of the Compas, the Southern Cross, the Rulle and the Wolf. Centaurus (the Centaur), is in one of the richest parts of the southern sky. At over 1000 square degrees it is the ninth largest constellation. It represents a centaur in Greek mythology, a half - man half - horse creature (Sagittarius is another). The learned centaur is the legendary inventor of the main constellations. Apart from a sparkling scattering of stars, the constellation also embraces one of the finest globular clusters, Omega Centauri and a few degrees north of it NGC 5128, the radio galaxy Centaurus A. Close to a Centaurus, the brightest star in the picture and, with ss Centaurus, one of the Pointers to the Southern Cross, is Proxima Cen. This faint star is not seen in this image, but at 4 light years distant is the closest star to the Sun. Norma, (originally Norma and Regula, the builder's level and set square) is an insi

Constellation of Centaurus - Constellation of Centaurus - Also visible are the constellations of the Compas, the Southern Cross, the Rulle and the Wolf. Centaurus (the Centaur), is in one of the richest parts of the southern sky. At over 1000 square degrees it is the ninth largest constellation. It represents a centaur in Greek mythology, a half - man half - horse creature (Sagittarius is another). The learned centaur is the legendary inventor of the main constellations. Apart from a sparkling scattering of stars, the constellation also embraces one of the finest globular clusters, Omega Centauri and a few degrees north of it NGC 5128, the radio galaxy Centaurus A. Close to a Centaurus, the brightest star in the picture and, with ss Centaurus, one of the Pointers to the Southern Cross, is Proxima Cen. This faint star is not seen in this image, but at 4 light years distant is the closest star to the Sun. Norma, (originally Norma and Regula, the builder's level and set square) is an insi

PIX4589824

Omega nebula (M17) in Sagittarius - The Omega nebula (M17) in Sagittarius - View of the Omega nebula (M17/NGC 6618) located in the constellation Sagittarius at a distance of 5700 light years. This object derives its name from its looped shape reminiscent of the Greek letter when the nebula is seen in a telescope. The gas cloud is unusual in that it does not appear to be illuminated by the bright stars that commonly found in emission nebulae such as this. However, the nebulosity is very bright, so the exciting stars must be hidden within the cloud, an idea confirmed by the infrared brightness of the nebula. As well as exciting the nebula we can see, the embedded stars heat the dust that surrounds them, so M17 is one of the brightest objects in the infrared sky. It is about 6000 light years distant

Omega nebula (M17) in Sagittarius - The Omega nebula (M17) in Sagittarius - View of the Omega nebula (M17/NGC 6618) located in the constellation Sagittarius at a distance of 5700 light years. This object derives its name from its looped shape reminiscent of the Greek letter when the nebula is seen in a telescope. The gas cloud is unusual in that it does not appear to be illuminated by the bright stars that commonly found in emission nebulae such as this. However, the nebulosity is very bright, so the exciting stars must be hidden within the cloud, an idea confirmed by the infrared brightness of the nebula. As well as exciting the nebula we can see, the embedded stars heat the dust that surrounds them, so M17 is one of the brightest objects in the infrared sky. It is about 6000 light years distant

PIX4620118

Constellations of the Altar, the Rule and the Telescope - Constellations of Ara, Norma and Telescopium - The Altar, in the center of the image, is a constellation of the southern hemisphere located between the Centaur and the Wolf. Also visible are the constellations of the Rule (right) and the Telescope. Ara (the Altar) is an inconspicuous constellation in the southern sky. It was once considered part of Centaurus and Lupus but became separated when the 'modern' constellation Norma was created by Lacaille in the 1750s. It was recognised by the Greeks and Romans and was visualised as the altar on which the Centaur, Centaurus, was to sacrifice Lupus, the Wolf. This is reflected in its Latin name, Ara Centauri. The constellation is the 63rd largest in the sky and covers about 237 square degrees. The best - known objects in this field are some diffuse dusty nebulae and star clusters. The only named star in Ara is Karnot Mizbeach (ss Ara). Best seen in the early evening in July

Constellations of the Altar, the Rule and the Telescope - Constellations of Ara, Norma and Telescopium - The Altar, in the center of the image, is a constellation of the southern hemisphere located between the Centaur and the Wolf. Also visible are the constellations of the Rule (right) and the Telescope. Ara (the Altar) is an inconspicuous constellation in the southern sky. It was once considered part of Centaurus and Lupus but became separated when the 'modern' constellation Norma was created by Lacaille in the 1750s. It was recognised by the Greeks and Romans and was visualised as the altar on which the Centaur, Centaurus, was to sacrifice Lupus, the Wolf. This is reflected in its Latin name, Ara Centauri. The constellation is the 63rd largest in the sky and covers about 237 square degrees. The best - known objects in this field are some diffuse dusty nebulae and star clusters. The only named star in Ara is Karnot Mizbeach (ss Ara). Best seen in the early evening in July

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Swan Constellation - Cygnus constellation - On the right, the bright star is Vega, in the constellation Lyra. Also visible are the constellations of the Fleche and the Petite Fox. Cygnus (the Swan), is clearly the bird flying along the northern Milky Way. Many legends refer to this distinctive constellation, including that of Zeus who disguised himself as a swan while visiting Leda, wife of the King of Sparta. This union resulted in Pollux, one of the heavenly twins. English legends see here the more prosaic outline of a flying hen in this part of the sky. Because Cygnus is in the Milky Way, it is rich in Galactic objects that are visible in binoculars and modest telescopes, notable are the enormous North America Nebula (NCG 7000) and the faint shreds of the Veil nebula, a supenova remnant that covers a patch of sky five times larger than the full Moon. Vulpecula (the Fox) is a faint constellation created by Johannes Hevelius, who called it Vulpecula Cum Anser, the Fox and Goose. Anser

Swan Constellation - Cygnus constellation - On the right, the bright star is Vega, in the constellation Lyra. Also visible are the constellations of the Fleche and the Petite Fox. Cygnus (the Swan), is clearly the bird flying along the northern Milky Way. Many legends refer to this distinctive constellation, including that of Zeus who disguised himself as a swan while visiting Leda, wife of the King of Sparta. This union resulted in Pollux, one of the heavenly twins. English legends see here the more prosaic outline of a flying hen in this part of the sky. Because Cygnus is in the Milky Way, it is rich in Galactic objects that are visible in binoculars and modest telescopes, notable are the enormous North America Nebula (NCG 7000) and the faint shreds of the Veil nebula, a supenova remnant that covers a patch of sky five times larger than the full Moon. Vulpecula (the Fox) is a faint constellation created by Johannes Hevelius, who called it Vulpecula Cum Anser, the Fox and Goose. Anser

PIX4590341

M87 elliptical galaxy in Virgo - M87 elliptical galaxy in Virgo - The M87 galaxy (NGC 4486) is located about 60 million years ago - light from Earth, in the heart of the Virgin's cluster. M87 is the brightest radio source in the constellation, it is also called Virgo A. Image made with Siding Spring's 3.9m telescope. Messier 87 (NGC 4486) lies near the centre of the nearby cluster of galaxies in Virgo at a distance of about 60 million light years. Although the physical boundaries of elliptical galaxies are not well defined, their mass can be, and by any standards M87 is enormous. It contains several thousand billion stars. Associated with this giant galaxy are large numbers of globular clusters, visible in this photograph as the cloud of slightly fuzzy objects around it. Like all ellipticals, M 87 is composed mainly of old stars and is largely devoid of the materials needed to make new ones. The galaxy is not inert however; high energy X - rays have been detected from an extensive oute

M87 elliptical galaxy in Virgo - M87 elliptical galaxy in Virgo - The M87 galaxy (NGC 4486) is located about 60 million years ago - light from Earth, in the heart of the Virgin's cluster. M87 is the brightest radio source in the constellation, it is also called Virgo A. Image made with Siding Spring's 3.9m telescope. Messier 87 (NGC 4486) lies near the centre of the nearby cluster of galaxies in Virgo at a distance of about 60 million light years. Although the physical boundaries of elliptical galaxies are not well defined, their mass can be, and by any standards M87 is enormous. It contains several thousand billion stars. Associated with this giant galaxy are large numbers of globular clusters, visible in this photograph as the cloud of slightly fuzzy objects around it. Like all ellipticals, M 87 is composed mainly of old stars and is largely devoid of the materials needed to make new ones. The galaxy is not inert however; high energy X - rays have been detected from an extensive oute

PIX4611461

Constellations of the Compsole and the Great Dog - Constellations of Pyxis and Canis Major - Constellation of the Compsole, near the horizon, and constellation of the Great Dog with the brilliant star Sirius. Pyxis, the Mariner's Compasse was originally Pyxis Nauticus and refers to the magnetic compasset. It is a small, insignificant arrangement of faint stars surrounded by much more eyecatching patterns of stars. Pyxis was once part of the very large constellation Argo Navis, the ship Argo, which carried Jason and the Argonauts. Argo Navis is now obsolete, but it was listed in Ptolemy's star catalogue, the Almagest. When the constellation boundaries were defined by the International Astronomical Union in the 1930s it was the only one of Ptolemy's 48 constellations that was not accepted. Instead, it was divided into the four constellations introduced by the French cleric and astronomer Nicolas de Lacaille in the 1750s: Carina, the keel, Puppis the stern, Vela the sails, and Pyxis. La C

Constellations of the Compsole and the Great Dog - Constellations of Pyxis and Canis Major - Constellation of the Compsole, near the horizon, and constellation of the Great Dog with the brilliant star Sirius. Pyxis, the Mariner's Compasse was originally Pyxis Nauticus and refers to the magnetic compasset. It is a small, insignificant arrangement of faint stars surrounded by much more eyecatching patterns of stars. Pyxis was once part of the very large constellation Argo Navis, the ship Argo, which carried Jason and the Argonauts. Argo Navis is now obsolete, but it was listed in Ptolemy's star catalogue, the Almagest. When the constellation boundaries were defined by the International Astronomical Union in the 1930s it was the only one of Ptolemy's 48 constellations that was not accepted. Instead, it was divided into the four constellations introduced by the French cleric and astronomer Nicolas de Lacaille in the 1750s: Carina, the keel, Puppis the stern, Vela the sails, and Pyxis. La C

PIX4589256

Spiral Galaxy M100 in Berenice's Hair - Spiral galaxy M100 in Coma Berenices - The spiral galaxy M100 is located about 60 million years ago - light from Earth. It belongs to the Virgin's galaxy cluster. Several dwarf elliptic galaxies are visible in this image, one just above M100 probably interacting. This image was obtained by Siding Spring's 3.9m telescope. In this deep image fainter galaxies appear. One seems to be involved with the faint outskirts of the large spiral. The somewhat distorted shape of the dwarf galaxy suggests it could be both influencing and being influenced by M100, and may be the cause of the asymmetry in the spiral arms. Nearby is an even fainter, elongated dwarf galaxy and elsewhere in the picture are several others, all probably members of the Virgo cluster, which spills over into the adjoining constellation of Coma Berenices

Spiral Galaxy M100 in Berenice's Hair - Spiral galaxy M100 in Coma Berenices - The spiral galaxy M100 is located about 60 million years ago - light from Earth. It belongs to the Virgin's galaxy cluster. Several dwarf elliptic galaxies are visible in this image, one just above M100 probably interacting. This image was obtained by Siding Spring's 3.9m telescope. In this deep image fainter galaxies appear. One seems to be involved with the faint outskirts of the large spiral. The somewhat distorted shape of the dwarf galaxy suggests it could be both influencing and being influenced by M100, and may be the cause of the asymmetry in the spiral arms. Nearby is an even fainter, elongated dwarf galaxy and elsewhere in the picture are several others, all probably members of the Virgo cluster, which spills over into the adjoining constellation of Coma Berenices

PIX4611307

Galaxy clusters Abell 1060 in Hydra - The Hydra cluster of galaxies (Abell 1060) - The galaxy in the center is the spiral galaxy NGC 3312. To its right, the brightest elliptical galaxies of this cluster: NGC 3311. The two bright stars are closer and belong to our galaxy. This splendid cluster of galaxies in Hydra is framed by two nearby, cool stars in our own Milky Way. The brightest is about 5th magnitude, visible to the unaided eye only under a dark sky; the second brightest is below naked - eye visibility. In contrast the galaxies appear featureless in all but the largest telescopes. The bluish, elongated galaxy is an edge - on spiral, NGC 3312. It has been distorted by interactions with its neighbours. They in turn have been affected, and the brightest of the two adjacent yellow elliptical galaxies (NGC 3311) has an assymetrical envelope, perhaps as a result of this encounter. It's hard to tell who is jostling who in a crowded group of galaxies such as this. Among the most interest

Galaxy clusters Abell 1060 in Hydra - The Hydra cluster of galaxies (Abell 1060) - The galaxy in the center is the spiral galaxy NGC 3312. To its right, the brightest elliptical galaxies of this cluster: NGC 3311. The two bright stars are closer and belong to our galaxy. This splendid cluster of galaxies in Hydra is framed by two nearby, cool stars in our own Milky Way. The brightest is about 5th magnitude, visible to the unaided eye only under a dark sky; the second brightest is below naked - eye visibility. In contrast the galaxies appear featureless in all but the largest telescopes. The bluish, elongated galaxy is an edge - on spiral, NGC 3312. It has been distorted by interactions with its neighbours. They in turn have been affected, and the brightest of the two adjacent yellow elliptical galaxies (NGC 3311) has an assymetrical envelope, perhaps as a result of this encounter. It's hard to tell who is jostling who in a crowded group of galaxies such as this. Among the most interest

PIX4565268

Constellation of Big Bear - Constellation of Ursa Major - The constellation of Big Bear with the constellations of Hunting Dogs and Little Lion

Constellation of Big Bear - Constellation of Ursa Major - The constellation of Big Bear with the constellations of Hunting Dogs and Little Lion

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Constellation of Circinus and southern constellations - Constellation of Circinus and southern constellations - The Southern Triangle constellations, the Fly, and the Southern Cross are also visible. Circinus (the drawing Comppass) is an inconspicuous constellation introduced by the French astronomer Nicolas Louis de Lacaille, who observed the southern sky from the Cape of Good Hope between 1750 and 1754. He named 14 constellations, many of them associated with science or navigation, such as Microscopium and Telescopium, Octans the Octant and Antlia Pneumatica, the air pump. Circinus contains no bright or named stars and covers 93 square degrees, making it the fourth - smallest. Triangulum Australe is the southern hemisphere counterpart of Triangulum. It is a bigger constellation and contains brighter stars than Triangulum and it never sets for most of Australia. Its brightest star is named Atria (for alpha Trianguli Australis), in the manner of Acrux in the Southern Cross. It is easil

Constellation of Circinus and southern constellations - Constellation of Circinus and southern constellations - The Southern Triangle constellations, the Fly, and the Southern Cross are also visible. Circinus (the drawing Comppass) is an inconspicuous constellation introduced by the French astronomer Nicolas Louis de Lacaille, who observed the southern sky from the Cape of Good Hope between 1750 and 1754. He named 14 constellations, many of them associated with science or navigation, such as Microscopium and Telescopium, Octans the Octant and Antlia Pneumatica, the air pump. Circinus contains no bright or named stars and covers 93 square degrees, making it the fourth - smallest. Triangulum Australe is the southern hemisphere counterpart of Triangulum. It is a bigger constellation and contains brighter stars than Triangulum and it never sets for most of Australia. Its brightest star is named Atria (for alpha Trianguli Australis), in the manner of Acrux in the Southern Cross. It is easil

PIX4590041

Omega nebula (M17) in Sagittarius - The Omega nebula (M17) in Sagittarius - View of the Omega nebula (M17/NGC 6618) located in the constellation Sagittarius at a distance of 5700 light years. This object derives its name from its looped shape reminiscent of the Greek letter when the nebula is seen in a telescope. The gas cloud is unusual in that it does not appear to be illuminated by the bright stars that commonly found in emission nebulae such as this. However, the nebulosity is very bright, so the exciting stars must be hidden within the cloud, an idea confirmed by the infrared brightness of the nebula. As well as exciting the nebula we can see, the embedded stars heat the dust that surrounds them, so M17 is one of the brightest objects in the infrared sky. It is about 6000 light years distant

Omega nebula (M17) in Sagittarius - The Omega nebula (M17) in Sagittarius - View of the Omega nebula (M17/NGC 6618) located in the constellation Sagittarius at a distance of 5700 light years. This object derives its name from its looped shape reminiscent of the Greek letter when the nebula is seen in a telescope. The gas cloud is unusual in that it does not appear to be illuminated by the bright stars that commonly found in emission nebulae such as this. However, the nebulosity is very bright, so the exciting stars must be hidden within the cloud, an idea confirmed by the infrared brightness of the nebula. As well as exciting the nebula we can see, the embedded stars heat the dust that surrounds them, so M17 is one of the brightest objects in the infrared sky. It is about 6000 light years distant

PIX4620153

Most of the area of the southern Milky Way covered by this picture never sets for those of us who live at southern latitudes south on -30 degrees. The main constellations here are Centaurus, Crux and Carina, containing some of the most interesting, beautiful and bizzare astronomical objects, including the nearest stars. Alpha Centauri is at lower left and with its companion, beta points (more or less) to the Southern Cross, which in turn lies alongside the Coalsack, one of the nearest dust clouds. Further along the Milky Way is the astonishing Carina nebula, which is home to eta Carinae, probably the most massive star known, and a prime candidate for the next Galactic supernova. It is in Carina that the Sagittarius arm of our galaxy curves sharply away from us, so we see deep into a rich star-forming region.: The Lactee Way from Centaur to Carene - Souther Milky Way form Centaurus to Carina

Most of the area of the southern Milky Way covered by this picture never sets for those of us who live at southern latitudes south on -30 degrees. The main constellations here are Centaurus, Crux and Carina, containing some of the most interesting, beautiful and bizzare astronomical objects, including the nearest stars. Alpha Centauri is at lower left and with its companion, beta points (more or less) to the Southern Cross, which in turn lies alongside the Coalsack, one of the nearest dust clouds. Further along the Milky Way is the astonishing Carina nebula, which is home to eta Carinae, probably the most massive star known, and a prime candidate for the next Galactic supernova. It is in Carina that the Sagittarius arm of our galaxy curves sharply away from us, so we see deep into a rich star-forming region.: The Lactee Way from Centaur to Carene - Souther Milky Way form Centaurus to Carina

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Constellations of Reticulum and Dorado - Constellations of Reticulum and Dorado - Constellations of Reticulum and Bream (top) near the galaxy of the Great Magellan Cloud. Reticulum is another small and insignificant southern constellation introduced by Lacaille in the 1750s. It commemorates a reticle, the cross hairs in an eyepiece used for measuring star positions, from the Latin for 'net' (hence reticulation, network). It is best found by looking for the Large Magellanic Cloud in the adjoining constellation of Dorado. Dorado, the Goldfish or Swordfish (Xiphias), is a constellation introduced by Johann Bayer, best known for his 1603 star atlas Uranometria, which was the first to cover the entire sky. It is notable mainly for containing most of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), the nearest galaxy to the Milky Way

Constellations of Reticulum and Dorado - Constellations of Reticulum and Dorado - Constellations of Reticulum and Bream (top) near the galaxy of the Great Magellan Cloud. Reticulum is another small and insignificant southern constellation introduced by Lacaille in the 1750s. It commemorates a reticle, the cross hairs in an eyepiece used for measuring star positions, from the Latin for 'net' (hence reticulation, network). It is best found by looking for the Large Magellanic Cloud in the adjoining constellation of Dorado. Dorado, the Goldfish or Swordfish (Xiphias), is a constellation introduced by Johann Bayer, best known for his 1603 star atlas Uranometria, which was the first to cover the entire sky. It is notable mainly for containing most of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), the nearest galaxy to the Milky Way

PIX4593550

Constellations of the Great Bear, Little Bear and Dragon - Polaris, the Big Dipper to Arcturus - Also visible are the constellations of the Little Lion, the Hunting Dogs, the Boreale Crown (with Arcturus, the brilliant star at the top of the picture), the Boreale Crown, Cephee, Cassiopee, the Giraffe and the Lynx. Also visible are the constellations of Leo Minor, Canes Venatici, Botes, Corona Borealis, Cepheus, Cassiopeia, Camelopardalis and Lynx

Constellations of the Great Bear, Little Bear and Dragon - Polaris, the Big Dipper to Arcturus - Also visible are the constellations of the Little Lion, the Hunting Dogs, the Boreale Crown (with Arcturus, the brilliant star at the top of the picture), the Boreale Crown, Cephee, Cassiopee, the Giraffe and the Lynx. Also visible are the constellations of Leo Minor, Canes Venatici, Botes, Corona Borealis, Cepheus, Cassiopeia, Camelopardalis and Lynx

PIX4591405

Planetary nebula ESO 166 - 21 dans les Voiles - The faint planetary nebula ESO 166 - 21 - This planetary nebula was discovered in the rich southern constellation of Vela in 1966, which is why it does not have an NGC number. The 'Ack' designation refers to its identification in the catalogue of planetary nebulae edited by Agnes Acker. This beautifully structured delicate sphere of glowing gas is about 2 arc minutes in diameter and is extremely faint. Both these characteristics have contributed to the conspicuous grain 'noise' in the photograph, and attempts to emphasise the faint nebulosity also bring out the many faint stars in this direction, including the markedly blue central star of visual magnitude 18 which is seen here sandwiched between two other, brighter stars

Planetary nebula ESO 166 - 21 dans les Voiles - The faint planetary nebula ESO 166 - 21 - This planetary nebula was discovered in the rich southern constellation of Vela in 1966, which is why it does not have an NGC number. The 'Ack' designation refers to its identification in the catalogue of planetary nebulae edited by Agnes Acker. This beautifully structured delicate sphere of glowing gas is about 2 arc minutes in diameter and is extremely faint. Both these characteristics have contributed to the conspicuous grain 'noise' in the photograph, and attempts to emphasise the faint nebulosity also bring out the many faint stars in this direction, including the markedly blue central star of visual magnitude 18 which is seen here sandwiched between two other, brighter stars

PIX4623916

Flying Fish Constellation - Constellation of Volans - Flying Fish is a small constellation in the southern hemisphere. The bright star on its left is Miaplacidus, in Carene. Volans was introduced by Johann Bayer in 1603 as Piscis Volans, the Flying Fish and in old star atlases is seen flying alongside the ancient sailing ship Argo Navis. However, the fish has flown and only the adjective Volans (flying) remains. The stars form a distinctive pattern but at magnitudes between 3.7 and 4.0 they are not bright. On the other hand the constellation is easily found between the bright stars Avior (epsilon Carinae) and Miaplacidus (beta Carinae) with the fish apparently flying towards the LM

Flying Fish Constellation - Constellation of Volans - Flying Fish is a small constellation in the southern hemisphere. The bright star on its left is Miaplacidus, in Carene. Volans was introduced by Johann Bayer in 1603 as Piscis Volans, the Flying Fish and in old star atlases is seen flying alongside the ancient sailing ship Argo Navis. However, the fish has flown and only the adjective Volans (flying) remains. The stars form a distinctive pattern but at magnitudes between 3.7 and 4.0 they are not bright. On the other hand the constellation is easily found between the bright stars Avior (epsilon Carinae) and Miaplacidus (beta Carinae) with the fish apparently flying towards the LM

PIX4593478

Galaxy clusters Abell 1060 in Hydra - The Hydra cluster of galaxies (Abell 1060) - The galaxy in the center is the spiral galaxy NGC 3312. To its right, the brightest elliptical galaxies of this cluster: NGC 3311. The two bright stars are closer and belong to our galaxy. This splendid cluster of galaxies in Hydra is framed by two nearby, cool stars in our own Milky Way. The brightest is about 5th magnitude, visible to the unaided eye only under a dark sky; the second brightest is below naked - eye visibility. In contrast the galaxies appear featureless in all but the largest telescopes. The bluish, elongated galaxy is an edge - on spiral, NGC 3312. It has been distorted by interactions with its neighbours. They in turn have been affected, and the brightest of the two adjacent yellow elliptical galaxies (NGC 3311) has an assymetrical envelope, perhaps as a result of this encounter. It's hard to tell who is jostling who in a crowded group of galaxies such as this. Among the most interest

Galaxy clusters Abell 1060 in Hydra - The Hydra cluster of galaxies (Abell 1060) - The galaxy in the center is the spiral galaxy NGC 3312. To its right, the brightest elliptical galaxies of this cluster: NGC 3311. The two bright stars are closer and belong to our galaxy. This splendid cluster of galaxies in Hydra is framed by two nearby, cool stars in our own Milky Way. The brightest is about 5th magnitude, visible to the unaided eye only under a dark sky; the second brightest is below naked - eye visibility. In contrast the galaxies appear featureless in all but the largest telescopes. The bluish, elongated galaxy is an edge - on spiral, NGC 3312. It has been distorted by interactions with its neighbours. They in turn have been affected, and the brightest of the two adjacent yellow elliptical galaxies (NGC 3311) has an assymetrical envelope, perhaps as a result of this encounter. It's hard to tell who is jostling who in a crowded group of galaxies such as this. Among the most interest

PIX4565253

Spiral galaxy M31 in Andromede - First color photo - The first color image of spiral galaxy M31 in Andromeda - The galaxy of Andromede is located about 2 million years ago - light from Earth. Two satellite galaxies accompany him: M32 (NGC 221) on the left, and M110 (NGC 205) on the bottom right. Like the lactee path, the Andromede galaxy belongs to the local group, making up about thirty galaxies. This photo is the first color photo of M31. It was obtained on 11 August 1958 at the Schmidt telescope of Mount Palomar. M31 (NGC 224) is the finest and nearest large spiral galaxy in the sky, about 2 million light years away. It has several close companions, the most obvious of which are the compact elliptical galaxy M32 (NGC 221) at lower left centre here, and M110 (NGC 205) at lower right. M 31 is a member of the Local Group of about 30 galaxies that includes the Milky Way and M31 as its most massive members as well as the two Magellanic Clouds. This particular picture is of interest becau

Spiral galaxy M31 in Andromede - First color photo - The first color image of spiral galaxy M31 in Andromeda - The galaxy of Andromede is located about 2 million years ago - light from Earth. Two satellite galaxies accompany him: M32 (NGC 221) on the left, and M110 (NGC 205) on the bottom right. Like the lactee path, the Andromede galaxy belongs to the local group, making up about thirty galaxies. This photo is the first color photo of M31. It was obtained on 11 August 1958 at the Schmidt telescope of Mount Palomar. M31 (NGC 224) is the finest and nearest large spiral galaxy in the sky, about 2 million light years away. It has several close companions, the most obvious of which are the compact elliptical galaxy M32 (NGC 221) at lower left centre here, and M110 (NGC 205) at lower right. M 31 is a member of the Local Group of about 30 galaxies that includes the Milky Way and M31 as its most massive members as well as the two Magellanic Clouds. This particular picture is of interest becau

PIX4608699

Orion Constellation - Constellation of Orion - Orion the Hunter is one of the most familar and best known constellations. There is extensive and varied mythology about this beautiful collection of stars, but the most common Greek legend has Orion as a giant huntsman, and he appears in this role in Homer's Odyssey. The most persistent legend seems to be that he died from the sting of a giant scorpion, which was placed in the sky so that Orion sets as the Scorpius rises, in an eternal chase across the sky. The momorable outline of the Hunter proudly bestrides the celestial equator and is equally visible from both hemispheres. The distinctive, equally spaced line of stars of Orion's Belt are more or less on the equator and are framed by quartet of bright and colourful stars. More subtle is Orions short sword, hanging from his belt. Under dark skies or in binoculars the central 'star' is distinctly misty. This is the famous Orion nebula, one of many well known telescopic objects that fill

Orion Constellation - Constellation of Orion - Orion the Hunter is one of the most familar and best known constellations. There is extensive and varied mythology about this beautiful collection of stars, but the most common Greek legend has Orion as a giant huntsman, and he appears in this role in Homer's Odyssey. The most persistent legend seems to be that he died from the sting of a giant scorpion, which was placed in the sky so that Orion sets as the Scorpius rises, in an eternal chase across the sky. The momorable outline of the Hunter proudly bestrides the celestial equator and is equally visible from both hemispheres. The distinctive, equally spaced line of stars of Orion's Belt are more or less on the equator and are framed by quartet of bright and colourful stars. More subtle is Orions short sword, hanging from his belt. Under dark skies or in binoculars the central 'star' is distinctly misty. This is the famous Orion nebula, one of many well known telescopic objects that fill

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Constellations of Sagittarius and the Southern Crown - Constellations of Sagittarius and Corona Australis - From ancient times the constellation of Sagittarius (the Archer) was represented as a Centaur, half man, half horse, ready to fire his/its bow and arrow at the heart of Scorpius, the Scorpion. The constellation is the 15th largest in the sky and covers about 867 square degrees, including the brightest part of the Milky Way. It contains no fewer than 15 Messier objects. Sagittarius is a zodiacal constellation, so the ecliptic, the apparent path of the Sun, among the stars, pases through it, between M8 and M20. The much smaller constellation of Corona Australis (the Southern Crown) is quite distinctive to the eye though its stars are fainter than those in neighbouring Sagittarius. It is quite ancient having be recognised by Ptolemy, and one legend has it that it represents the coronet worn by Sagittarius. Who knows. It is 80th in size among the 88 constellations and covers 128 squa

Constellations of Sagittarius and the Southern Crown - Constellations of Sagittarius and Corona Australis - From ancient times the constellation of Sagittarius (the Archer) was represented as a Centaur, half man, half horse, ready to fire his/its bow and arrow at the heart of Scorpius, the Scorpion. The constellation is the 15th largest in the sky and covers about 867 square degrees, including the brightest part of the Milky Way. It contains no fewer than 15 Messier objects. Sagittarius is a zodiacal constellation, so the ecliptic, the apparent path of the Sun, among the stars, pases through it, between M8 and M20. The much smaller constellation of Corona Australis (the Southern Crown) is quite distinctive to the eye though its stars are fainter than those in neighbouring Sagittarius. It is quite ancient having be recognised by Ptolemy, and one legend has it that it represents the coronet worn by Sagittarius. Who knows. It is 80th in size among the 88 constellations and covers 128 squa

PIX4593659

Supernova 1987A before and after explosion - Supernova 1987A with precursor image overlaid - Image of the Supernova 1987A, obtained on March 8, 1987. The photo of the star Sanduleak - 69* 202, photographed two years ago. Images obtained with Siding Spring's 3.9m telescope. Supernova 1987A appeared in the constellation Doradus on February 23, 1987. The brightest star in the colour photograph is supernova 1987A, photographed with the AAT two months before it reached its maximum brightness. Superimposed in register on this image is a negative photograph of the region around the supernova copied from an AAT plate that was exposed in 1985, two years before the supernova was seen to explode. The precursor star appears to be a peculiar shape only because its image is blended with those of two other stars that happen to lie in the same line of sight. Many similar blended images can be seen in the colour photograph. However, it was soon found that the brighter of the three had exploded, and tha

Supernova 1987A before and after explosion - Supernova 1987A with precursor image overlaid - Image of the Supernova 1987A, obtained on March 8, 1987. The photo of the star Sanduleak - 69* 202, photographed two years ago. Images obtained with Siding Spring's 3.9m telescope. Supernova 1987A appeared in the constellation Doradus on February 23, 1987. The brightest star in the colour photograph is supernova 1987A, photographed with the AAT two months before it reached its maximum brightness. Superimposed in register on this image is a negative photograph of the region around the supernova copied from an AAT plate that was exposed in 1985, two years before the supernova was seen to explode. The precursor star appears to be a peculiar shape only because its image is blended with those of two other stars that happen to lie in the same line of sight. Many similar blended images can be seen in the colour photograph. However, it was soon found that the brighter of the three had exploded, and tha

PIX4582378

Constellation of Big Bear - Constellation of Ursa Major - The constellation of Big Bear with the constellations of Hunting Dogs and Little Lion. Ursa Major is the third largest constellation in the sky but is not seen by skywatchers in the far southern hemisphere. However, it is the most recognisable of all constellations for those who can see it, mainly because of the asterism formed by the seven brightest stars. This is known as the Big Dipper in the USA, the Plough in Britain, various kinds of carts in Europe and a range of other objects in other cultures. Not surprisingly the constellation as a whole has a rich mythology associated with it, with many peoples projecting their stories among these beautiful stars. Greatly abbreviated, one ancient Greek version has Zeus romancing Callisto. His wife Hera changed Callisto into a bear out of jealousy. Hera's son Arcus found Callisto (the bear) by chance in the forest and was about to kill her, so to save her, Zeus turned Arcus into a smal

Constellation of Big Bear - Constellation of Ursa Major - The constellation of Big Bear with the constellations of Hunting Dogs and Little Lion. Ursa Major is the third largest constellation in the sky but is not seen by skywatchers in the far southern hemisphere. However, it is the most recognisable of all constellations for those who can see it, mainly because of the asterism formed by the seven brightest stars. This is known as the Big Dipper in the USA, the Plough in Britain, various kinds of carts in Europe and a range of other objects in other cultures. Not surprisingly the constellation as a whole has a rich mythology associated with it, with many peoples projecting their stories among these beautiful stars. Greatly abbreviated, one ancient Greek version has Zeus romancing Callisto. His wife Hera changed Callisto into a bear out of jealousy. Hera's son Arcus found Callisto (the bear) by chance in the forest and was about to kill her, so to save her, Zeus turned Arcus into a smal

PIX4591218

Constellations of Serpens and Ophiuchus - Constellations of Serpens and Ophiuchus - The constellation of Ophiuchus separates the constellation of the Serpent into two parts. Serpens, the Serpent, is an ancient constellation, unique in being formed from two separate sections, Serpens Caput (the head of the snake) to the west and Serpens Cauda (the tail) to the east. Between them lies the constellation of Ophiuchus, the serpent holder, who is usually identified with the ancient Greek physician Asclepius, around whose shoulders or staff a snake is draped. The stars in both parts of Serpens are mostly quite faint and a snake - like shape is hard to pick out in either section. Serpens Cauda is probably easier to locate since it occupies the dusty part of the Milky Way adjoining the brighter star clouds of Scutum and Aquila

Constellations of Serpens and Ophiuchus - Constellations of Serpens and Ophiuchus - The constellation of Ophiuchus separates the constellation of the Serpent into two parts. Serpens, the Serpent, is an ancient constellation, unique in being formed from two separate sections, Serpens Caput (the head of the snake) to the west and Serpens Cauda (the tail) to the east. Between them lies the constellation of Ophiuchus, the serpent holder, who is usually identified with the ancient Greek physician Asclepius, around whose shoulders or staff a snake is draped. The stars in both parts of Serpens are mostly quite faint and a snake - like shape is hard to pick out in either section. Serpens Cauda is probably easier to locate since it occupies the dusty part of the Milky Way adjoining the brighter star clouds of Scutum and Aquila

PIX4594009

Constellations of the Indian, the Crane and Toucan - Constellations of Indus, Grus and Tucana - The southern constellation of the Indian, with to its left the constellations of the Crane (top) and Toucan. Indus (the Indian, widely taken to mean the American Indian) is a constellation devoid of bright stars in a mostly undistinguished part of the southern sky. It was created by Johann Bayer and appeared in his atlas of 1603. The reference to the American Indian comes from the constellation engraving by Bayer, which shows a figure carrying arrows; however, even if it was conspicuous, most of the constellation is invisible from the USA

Constellations of the Indian, the Crane and Toucan - Constellations of Indus, Grus and Tucana - The southern constellation of the Indian, with to its left the constellations of the Crane (top) and Toucan. Indus (the Indian, widely taken to mean the American Indian) is a constellation devoid of bright stars in a mostly undistinguished part of the southern sky. It was created by Johann Bayer and appeared in his atlas of 1603. The reference to the American Indian comes from the constellation engraving by Bayer, which shows a figure carrying arrows; however, even if it was conspicuous, most of the constellation is invisible from the USA

PIX4591833

Spiral galaxy M100 in Berenice's Hair - Spiral galaxy M100 in Coma Berenices - The spiral galaxy M100 (NGC 4321) is located about 60 million years ago - light from Earth. It belongs to the Virgin's galaxy cluster. Above the galaxy a dwarf elliptical galaxy, probably interacting with M100. This image was obtained by Siding Spring's 3.9m telescope. This dominant galaxy is the face - on spiral M100, one of the finest spirals in the Virgo cluster. As might be expected in a galaxy - rich environment, the lack of perfect symmetry in its brightest spiral arms suggests that M100 has been disturbed by gravitational interaction with its neighbours. At the top of the image is the first colour picture of a much less spectacular galaxy, a so - called 'nucleated dwarf' elliptical galaxy, probably interacting with M100. Dwarf galaxies are by far the commonest kind in rich clusters such as this, but nucleated examples are quite rare

Spiral galaxy M100 in Berenice's Hair - Spiral galaxy M100 in Coma Berenices - The spiral galaxy M100 (NGC 4321) is located about 60 million years ago - light from Earth. It belongs to the Virgin's galaxy cluster. Above the galaxy a dwarf elliptical galaxy, probably interacting with M100. This image was obtained by Siding Spring's 3.9m telescope. This dominant galaxy is the face - on spiral M100, one of the finest spirals in the Virgo cluster. As might be expected in a galaxy - rich environment, the lack of perfect symmetry in its brightest spiral arms suggests that M100 has been disturbed by gravitational interaction with its neighbours. At the top of the image is the first colour picture of a much less spectacular galaxy, a so - called 'nucleated dwarf' elliptical galaxy, probably interacting with M100. Dwarf galaxies are by far the commonest kind in rich clusters such as this, but nucleated examples are quite rare

PIX4611342

Supernova 1987A - Supernova 1987A - Image of the Supernova 1987A, obtained on March 8, 1987 with the 3.9m telescope of Siding Spring. Supernova 1987A appeared in the constellation Doradus on February 23, 1987. Sometime during 23 February 1987 a supernova exploded in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), a nearby galaxy. However, the LMC is about 170,000 light years distant, so the supernova exploded 170,000 years ago. It was discovered the following day and brightened rapidly to become the first supernova to be easily visible to the unaided eye for almost 400 years. This photograph shows the field around the site of the supernova in great detail about 10 days afterwards, when it was still brightening

Supernova 1987A - Supernova 1987A - Image of the Supernova 1987A, obtained on March 8, 1987 with the 3.9m telescope of Siding Spring. Supernova 1987A appeared in the constellation Doradus on February 23, 1987. Sometime during 23 February 1987 a supernova exploded in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), a nearby galaxy. However, the LMC is about 170,000 light years distant, so the supernova exploded 170,000 years ago. It was discovered the following day and brightened rapidly to become the first supernova to be easily visible to the unaided eye for almost 400 years. This photograph shows the field around the site of the supernova in great detail about 10 days afterwards, when it was still brightening

PIX4582335

Constellation of Lupus and Norma - Constellation of Lupus and Norma - Also visible are the constellations of the Compas, the Southern Cross, and much of the Centaur. At the top of the picture, the bright spot is the planet Jupiter. Lupus, (the Wolf), was regarded by the Greeks and Romans as an unspecified wild animal, which the Centaur is carrying as a sacrifice the gods. The identification of Lupus as a wolf seems to have been made in relatively recent times. Both Lupus and Norma are in the rich starfields of the southern Milky Way, easily seen between Antares and alpha and beta Centaurii. The brightest object in this image is Jupiter, on the ecliptic at the top of the frame. Norma, (originally Norma and Regula, the builder's level and set square) is an insignificant scattering of stars compared to Lupus and Centaurus. Like the adjacent Circinus (the Drawing Compasses), it was invented by Nicolas de Lacaille, who charted the southern sky from South Africa in 1751 - 2 and felt obliged

Constellation of Lupus and Norma - Constellation of Lupus and Norma - Also visible are the constellations of the Compas, the Southern Cross, and much of the Centaur. At the top of the picture, the bright spot is the planet Jupiter. Lupus, (the Wolf), was regarded by the Greeks and Romans as an unspecified wild animal, which the Centaur is carrying as a sacrifice the gods. The identification of Lupus as a wolf seems to have been made in relatively recent times. Both Lupus and Norma are in the rich starfields of the southern Milky Way, easily seen between Antares and alpha and beta Centaurii. The brightest object in this image is Jupiter, on the ecliptic at the top of the frame. Norma, (originally Norma and Regula, the builder's level and set square) is an insignificant scattering of stars compared to Lupus and Centaurus. Like the adjacent Circinus (the Drawing Compasses), it was invented by Nicolas de Lacaille, who charted the southern sky from South Africa in 1751 - 2 and felt obliged

PIX4592189

Constellations of the Unicorn and the Little Dog - Constellations of Monoceros and Canis Minor - Constellation of the Unicorn, at its right Orion, at the top left the Little Dog with the star Procyon, at the bottom of Sirius. The stars Sirius, Procyon and Betelgeuse form the asterism of the winter triangle. Monoceros constellation, at right: Orion, top left Canis Minor with Procyon, bottom Sirius in Canis Major. Monoceros (the Unicorn) represents mythical creature set among the stars. This one has the forelegs and (horned) head of a horse, the hindquarters of a stag and the tail of a lion. Such creatures are sometimes seen in Assyrian (~ 2500 - 600 BCE) carvings, and have been interpreted as originating in traveller's tales of the Indian or African rhinoceros. The modern constellation sits astride both the Milky Way and the celestial equator. It is also enclosed on three sides by the bright stars of the Winter Triangle (Sirius, Procyon and Betelgeuse). Of course this refers to the nort

Constellations of the Unicorn and the Little Dog - Constellations of Monoceros and Canis Minor - Constellation of the Unicorn, at its right Orion, at the top left the Little Dog with the star Procyon, at the bottom of Sirius. The stars Sirius, Procyon and Betelgeuse form the asterism of the winter triangle. Monoceros constellation, at right: Orion, top left Canis Minor with Procyon, bottom Sirius in Canis Major. Monoceros (the Unicorn) represents mythical creature set among the stars. This one has the forelegs and (horned) head of a horse, the hindquarters of a stag and the tail of a lion. Such creatures are sometimes seen in Assyrian (~ 2500 - 600 BCE) carvings, and have been interpreted as originating in traveller's tales of the Indian or African rhinoceros. The modern constellation sits astride both the Milky Way and the celestial equator. It is also enclosed on three sides by the bright stars of the Winter Triangle (Sirius, Procyon and Betelgeuse). Of course this refers to the nort

PIX4591927

Aquarius Constellation - Constellation of Aquarius - Field around the Aquarius constelllation. The Helix planetary nebula appears as a red dot towards the center of the image. Aquarius (The Water Carrier) is a large but relatively insconspicuous southern zodiacal constellation and has an area of about 980 square degrees, which makes it the 10th largest. Its origins as a constellation can be traced back to Babylonian times and has usually been delineated as a figure pouring water from a jar in the general direction of Capricornus and Piscis Austrinus, themselves quite watery constellations. The Sun is in this part of the sky in February and March, following the Ecliptic. The constellation embraces many objects of telescopic interest, including the Helix nebula and the Mira - like variable star R Aquarii. Also notable are the globular clusters M2 (NGC 7089) and the Saturn planetary nebula NGC 7009. Best seen in the early evening in August

Aquarius Constellation - Constellation of Aquarius - Field around the Aquarius constelllation. The Helix planetary nebula appears as a red dot towards the center of the image. Aquarius (The Water Carrier) is a large but relatively insconspicuous southern zodiacal constellation and has an area of about 980 square degrees, which makes it the 10th largest. Its origins as a constellation can be traced back to Babylonian times and has usually been delineated as a figure pouring water from a jar in the general direction of Capricornus and Piscis Austrinus, themselves quite watery constellations. The Sun is in this part of the sky in February and March, following the Ecliptic. The constellation embraces many objects of telescopic interest, including the Helix nebula and the Mira - like variable star R Aquarii. Also notable are the globular clusters M2 (NGC 7089) and the Saturn planetary nebula NGC 7009. Best seen in the early evening in August

PIX4594337

Constellation of the Southern Cross - The Southern Cross - The Southern Cross and the Alpha and Beta stars of Centaurus. Crux, the Southern Cross, is the smallest constellation in the sky yet one of the most distinctive, at least to those of us who live in the southern hemisphere. It was once part of Centaurus, where the bright stars Acrux and Mimosa could easly be imagined as the rear hooves of the rearing mythical centaur. However, when Christian sailors began to explore southwards in the 16th century, this memorable asterism took on a new significance. The cross appears on the national flags of several southern hemisphere countries, including Australia, though it can be seen on the southern horizon from the tropic of Cancer, 23.5 degrees north of the equator. Along with the Southern Cross is a very distinctive dark shape known as the Coalsack, much used by southern hemisphere astronomers as an indicator of a dark sky, especially if the sixth magnitude star embedded in it is visible.

Constellation of the Southern Cross - The Southern Cross - The Southern Cross and the Alpha and Beta stars of Centaurus. Crux, the Southern Cross, is the smallest constellation in the sky yet one of the most distinctive, at least to those of us who live in the southern hemisphere. It was once part of Centaurus, where the bright stars Acrux and Mimosa could easly be imagined as the rear hooves of the rearing mythical centaur. However, when Christian sailors began to explore southwards in the 16th century, this memorable asterism took on a new significance. The cross appears on the national flags of several southern hemisphere countries, including Australia, though it can be seen on the southern horizon from the tropic of Cancer, 23.5 degrees north of the equator. Along with the Southern Cross is a very distinctive dark shape known as the Coalsack, much used by southern hemisphere astronomers as an indicator of a dark sky, especially if the sixth magnitude star embedded in it is visible.

PIX4590268

Swan Constellation - Cygnus constellation - On the right, the bright star is Vega, in the constellation Lyra. Also visible are the constellations of the Fleche and the Petite Fox. Cygnus (the Swan), is clearly the bird flying along the northern Milky Way. Many legends refer to this distinctive constellation, including that of Zeus who disguised himself as a swan while visiting Leda, wife of the King of Sparta. This union resulted in Pollux, one of the heavenly twins. English legends see here the more prosaic outline of a flying hen in this part of the sky. Because Cygnus is in the Milky Way, it is rich in Galactic objects that are visible in binoculars and modest telescopes, notable are the enormous North America Nebula (NCG 7000) and the faint shreds of the Veil nebula, a supenova remnant that covers a patch of sky five times larger than the full Moon. Vulpecula (the Fox) is a faint constellation created by Johannes Hevelius, who called it Vulpecula Cum Anser, the Fox and Goose. Anser

Swan Constellation - Cygnus constellation - On the right, the bright star is Vega, in the constellation Lyra. Also visible are the constellations of the Fleche and the Petite Fox. Cygnus (the Swan), is clearly the bird flying along the northern Milky Way. Many legends refer to this distinctive constellation, including that of Zeus who disguised himself as a swan while visiting Leda, wife of the King of Sparta. This union resulted in Pollux, one of the heavenly twins. English legends see here the more prosaic outline of a flying hen in this part of the sky. Because Cygnus is in the Milky Way, it is rich in Galactic objects that are visible in binoculars and modest telescopes, notable are the enormous North America Nebula (NCG 7000) and the faint shreds of the Veil nebula, a supenova remnant that covers a patch of sky five times larger than the full Moon. Vulpecula (the Fox) is a faint constellation created by Johannes Hevelius, who called it Vulpecula Cum Anser, the Fox and Goose. Anser

PIX4590349

Galaxies NGC 1316 and 1317 in the Furnace - Galaxies NGC 1316 and NGC 1317 in Fornax - The giant elliptical galaxy NGC 1316 (below) absorbed a spiral galaxy a few billion years ago. A few bands of dust visible in the centre are the traces of this feast. A spiral galaxy, NGC 1317, is visible just above it. These galaxies resident more than 60 million years ago - light in the array of galaxies of the Furnace. Also called Fornax A, NGC 1316 is one of the strongest radio sources in the sky. Image made with Siding Spring's 3.9m telescope. NGC 1316 - 17 are on the outskirts of a nearby cluster of galaxies in the southern constellation of Fornax, at a distance of about 60 million light years. At first glance, the optical image of these galaxies does not seem to be very unusual. However, closer inspection shows that the larger galaxy, the elliptical NGC 1316, has distinct dust lanes in its inner regions, and NGC 1317 is a strangely distorted spiral. The dust lanes strongly suggest that NGC 131

Galaxies NGC 1316 and 1317 in the Furnace - Galaxies NGC 1316 and NGC 1317 in Fornax - The giant elliptical galaxy NGC 1316 (below) absorbed a spiral galaxy a few billion years ago. A few bands of dust visible in the centre are the traces of this feast. A spiral galaxy, NGC 1317, is visible just above it. These galaxies resident more than 60 million years ago - light in the array of galaxies of the Furnace. Also called Fornax A, NGC 1316 is one of the strongest radio sources in the sky. Image made with Siding Spring's 3.9m telescope. NGC 1316 - 17 are on the outskirts of a nearby cluster of galaxies in the southern constellation of Fornax, at a distance of about 60 million light years. At first glance, the optical image of these galaxies does not seem to be very unusual. However, closer inspection shows that the larger galaxy, the elliptical NGC 1316, has distinct dust lanes in its inner regions, and NGC 1317 is a strangely distorted spiral. The dust lanes strongly suggest that NGC 131

PIX4609824

Aquarius Constellations, Capricorn, Austral Fish and Microscope - Constellations of Aquarius, Capricorn, Piscis Austrinus, Microscopium - Field around the Aquarius constellation. The Helix planetary nebula appears as a red dot towards the center of the image. Aquarius (The Water Carrier) is a large but relatively insconspicuous southern zodiacal constellation and has an area of about 980 square degrees, which makes it the 10th largest. Its origins as a constellation can be traced back to Babylonian times and has usually been delineated as a figure pouring water from a jar in the general direction of Capricornus and Piscis Austrinus, themselves quite watery constellations. The Sun is in this part of the sky in February and March, following the Ecliptic. The constellation embraces many objects of telescopic interest, including the Helix nebula and the Mira - like variable star R Aquarii. Also notable are the globular clusters M2 (NGC 7089) and the Saturn planetary nebula NGC 7009. Best s

Aquarius Constellations, Capricorn, Austral Fish and Microscope - Constellations of Aquarius, Capricorn, Piscis Austrinus, Microscopium - Field around the Aquarius constellation. The Helix planetary nebula appears as a red dot towards the center of the image. Aquarius (The Water Carrier) is a large but relatively insconspicuous southern zodiacal constellation and has an area of about 980 square degrees, which makes it the 10th largest. Its origins as a constellation can be traced back to Babylonian times and has usually been delineated as a figure pouring water from a jar in the general direction of Capricornus and Piscis Austrinus, themselves quite watery constellations. The Sun is in this part of the sky in February and March, following the Ecliptic. The constellation embraces many objects of telescopic interest, including the Helix nebula and the Mira - like variable star R Aquarii. Also notable are the globular clusters M2 (NGC 7089) and the Saturn planetary nebula NGC 7009. Best s

PIX4594319

Constellation of Circinus and southern constellations - Constellation of Circinus and southern constellations - The Southern Triangle constellations, the Fly, and the Southern Cross are also visible. Circinus (the drawing Comppass) is an inconspicuous constellation introduced by the French astronomer Nicolas Louis de Lacaille, who observed the southern sky from the Cape of Good Hope between 1750 and 1754. He named 14 constellations, many of them associated with science or navigation, such as Microscopium and Telescopium, Octans the Octant and Antlia Pneumatica, the air pump. Circinus contains no bright or named stars and covers 93 square degrees, making it the fourth - smallest. Triangulum Australe is the southern hemisphere counterpart of Triangulum. It is a bigger constellation and contains brighter stars than Triangulum and it never sets for most of Australia. Its brightest star is named Atria (for alpha Trianguli Australis), in the manner of Acrux in the Southern Cross. It is easil

Constellation of Circinus and southern constellations - Constellation of Circinus and southern constellations - The Southern Triangle constellations, the Fly, and the Southern Cross are also visible. Circinus (the drawing Comppass) is an inconspicuous constellation introduced by the French astronomer Nicolas Louis de Lacaille, who observed the southern sky from the Cape of Good Hope between 1750 and 1754. He named 14 constellations, many of them associated with science or navigation, such as Microscopium and Telescopium, Octans the Octant and Antlia Pneumatica, the air pump. Circinus contains no bright or named stars and covers 93 square degrees, making it the fourth - smallest. Triangulum Australe is the southern hemisphere counterpart of Triangulum. It is a bigger constellation and contains brighter stars than Triangulum and it never sets for most of Australia. Its brightest star is named Atria (for alpha Trianguli Australis), in the manner of Acrux in the Southern Cross. It is easil

PIX4590052

Constellation of Centaurus - Constellation of Centaurus - Also visible are the constellations of the Compas, the Southern Cross, the Rulle and the Wolf. Centaurus (the Centaur), is in one of the richest parts of the southern sky. At over 1000 square degrees it is the ninth largest constellation. It represents a centaur in Greek mythology, a half - man half - horse creature (Sagittarius is another). The learned centaur is the legendary inventor of the main constellations. Apart from a sparkling scattering of stars, the constellation also embraces one of the finest globular clusters, Omega Centauri and a few degrees north of it NGC 5128, the radio galaxy Centaurus A. Close to a Centaurus, the brightest star in the picture and, with ss Centaurus, one of the Pointers to the Southern Cross, is Proxima Cen. This faint star is not seen in this image, but at 4 light years distant is the closest star to the Sun. Norma, (originally Norma and Regula, the builder's level and set square) is an insi

Constellation of Centaurus - Constellation of Centaurus - Also visible are the constellations of the Compas, the Southern Cross, the Rulle and the Wolf. Centaurus (the Centaur), is in one of the richest parts of the southern sky. At over 1000 square degrees it is the ninth largest constellation. It represents a centaur in Greek mythology, a half - man half - horse creature (Sagittarius is another). The learned centaur is the legendary inventor of the main constellations. Apart from a sparkling scattering of stars, the constellation also embraces one of the finest globular clusters, Omega Centauri and a few degrees north of it NGC 5128, the radio galaxy Centaurus A. Close to a Centaurus, the brightest star in the picture and, with ss Centaurus, one of the Pointers to the Southern Cross, is Proxima Cen. This faint star is not seen in this image, but at 4 light years distant is the closest star to the Sun. Norma, (originally Norma and Regula, the builder's level and set square) is an insi

PIX4589782

Aquarius Constellations, Capricorn, Southern Fish and Microscope - Constellations of Aquarius, Capricorn, Piscis Austrinus, Microscopiu

Aquarius Constellations, Capricorn, Southern Fish and Microscope - Constellations of Aquarius, Capricorn, Piscis Austrinus, Microscopiu

PIX4594350

Constellations of Reticulum and Dorado - Constellations of Reticulum and Dorado - Constellations of Reticulum and Bream (top) near the galaxy of the Great Magellan Cloud. Reticulum is another small and insignificant southern constellation introduced by Lacaille in the 1750s. It commemorates a reticle, the cross hairs in an eyepiece used for measuring star positions, from the Latin for 'net' (hence reticulation, network). It is best found by looking for the Large Magellanic Cloud in the adjoining constellation of Dorado. Dorado, the Goldfish or Swordfish (Xiphias), is a constellation introduced by Johann Bayer, best known for his 1603 star atlas Uranometria, which was the first to cover the entire sky. It is notable mainly for containing most of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), the nearest galaxy to the Milky Way

Constellations of Reticulum and Dorado - Constellations of Reticulum and Dorado - Constellations of Reticulum and Bream (top) near the galaxy of the Great Magellan Cloud. Reticulum is another small and insignificant southern constellation introduced by Lacaille in the 1750s. It commemorates a reticle, the cross hairs in an eyepiece used for measuring star positions, from the Latin for 'net' (hence reticulation, network). It is best found by looking for the Large Magellanic Cloud in the adjoining constellation of Dorado. Dorado, the Goldfish or Swordfish (Xiphias), is a constellation introduced by Johann Bayer, best known for his 1603 star atlas Uranometria, which was the first to cover the entire sky. It is notable mainly for containing most of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), the nearest galaxy to the Milky Way

PIX4593553

Constellations of the Unicorn and the Little Dog - Constellations of Monoceros and Canis Minor - Constellation of the Unicorn, at its right Orion, at the top left the Little Dog with the star Procyon, at the bottom of Sirius. The stars Sirius, Procyon and Betelgeuse form the asterism of the winter triangle. Monoceros constellation, at right: Orion, top left Canis Minor with Procyon, bottom Sirius in Canis Major. Monoceros (the Unicorn) represents mythical creature set among the stars. This one has the forelegs and (horned) head of a horse, the hindquarters of a stag and the tail of a lion. Such creatures are sometimes seen in Assyrian (~ 2500 - 600 BCE) carvings, and have been interpreted as originating in traveller's tales of the Indian or African rhinoceros. The modern constellation sits astride both the Milky Way and the celestial equator. It is also enclosed on three sides by the bright stars of the Winter Triangle (Sirius, Procyon and Betelgeuse). Of course this refers to the nort

Constellations of the Unicorn and the Little Dog - Constellations of Monoceros and Canis Minor - Constellation of the Unicorn, at its right Orion, at the top left the Little Dog with the star Procyon, at the bottom of Sirius. The stars Sirius, Procyon and Betelgeuse form the asterism of the winter triangle. Monoceros constellation, at right: Orion, top left Canis Minor with Procyon, bottom Sirius in Canis Major. Monoceros (the Unicorn) represents mythical creature set among the stars. This one has the forelegs and (horned) head of a horse, the hindquarters of a stag and the tail of a lion. Such creatures are sometimes seen in Assyrian (~ 2500 - 600 BCE) carvings, and have been interpreted as originating in traveller's tales of the Indian or African rhinoceros. The modern constellation sits astride both the Milky Way and the celestial equator. It is also enclosed on three sides by the bright stars of the Winter Triangle (Sirius, Procyon and Betelgeuse). Of course this refers to the nort

PIX4591930

Barree spiral galaxy NGC 1365 in the Furnace - Barred spiral galaxy NGC 1365 in Fornax - NGC 1365 is a barree spiral galaxy that extends over 200,000 years - light. Located 60 million years ago - light, it belongs to the cluster of galaxies of the Furnace. Image obtained by Siding Spring's 3.9m telescope. NGC 1365, the largest spiral in the southern constellation of Fornax, is located at a distance of about 60 million light years. This beautiful galaxy is about as massive as the Milky Way, itself a substantial galaxy. Not much is known about how galaxies take on their beautiful forms, but a good deal is known about their internal organisation. The obvious 'bar' has the nucleus of the galaxy at its hub and is surrounded by masses of cooler stars that appear yellow on colour photographs. The bar itself is also yellowish, and has distinct dust lanes but it terminates abruptly in slender, curved arms that are lit by blue stars and the pink star - forming regions from which they spring

Barree spiral galaxy NGC 1365 in the Furnace - Barred spiral galaxy NGC 1365 in Fornax - NGC 1365 is a barree spiral galaxy that extends over 200,000 years - light. Located 60 million years ago - light, it belongs to the cluster of galaxies of the Furnace. Image obtained by Siding Spring's 3.9m telescope. NGC 1365, the largest spiral in the southern constellation of Fornax, is located at a distance of about 60 million light years. This beautiful galaxy is about as massive as the Milky Way, itself a substantial galaxy. Not much is known about how galaxies take on their beautiful forms, but a good deal is known about their internal organisation. The obvious 'bar' has the nucleus of the galaxy at its hub and is surrounded by masses of cooler stars that appear yellow on colour photographs. The bar itself is also yellowish, and has distinct dust lanes but it terminates abruptly in slender, curved arms that are lit by blue stars and the pink star - forming regions from which they spring

PIX4609870

Constellation of Hercules - Constellation of Hercules - Constellation of Hercules and Boreal Crown. On the left, the bright star is Vega de la Lyre. Hercules, the Roman Hero, is best known for his twelve labours, mentioned throughout the Greek constellation legends as Herakles, who is sometimes identified with the much older (5000 BC) Sumerian strong man Gilgamesh. To the Greeks he was the son of Zeus and the earthly queen Alkmene. Zeus' goddess wife Hera was not best pleased and sought to destroy Herakles. Later he was to accomplish eight heroic acts as well as his famous 12 labours, these last perhaps representing the Sun's passage through the zodiacal constellations. The constellation is the fifth largest in the sky but does not catch the eye and has no bright stars rivaling Vega in adjoining Lyra or even the much fainter Gemma in Corona Borealis to the west. However, there are many interesting double stars in Hercules as well as the northern hemisphere's finest globular cluster M13

Constellation of Hercules - Constellation of Hercules - Constellation of Hercules and Boreal Crown. On the left, the bright star is Vega de la Lyre. Hercules, the Roman Hero, is best known for his twelve labours, mentioned throughout the Greek constellation legends as Herakles, who is sometimes identified with the much older (5000 BC) Sumerian strong man Gilgamesh. To the Greeks he was the son of Zeus and the earthly queen Alkmene. Zeus' goddess wife Hera was not best pleased and sought to destroy Herakles. Later he was to accomplish eight heroic acts as well as his famous 12 labours, these last perhaps representing the Sun's passage through the zodiacal constellations. The constellation is the fifth largest in the sky but does not catch the eye and has no bright stars rivaling Vega in adjoining Lyra or even the much fainter Gemma in Corona Borealis to the west. However, there are many interesting double stars in Hercules as well as the northern hemisphere's finest globular cluster M13

PIX4591742

Untitled, 1965 (photocollage)

Untitled, 1965 (photocollage)

Berman, Mieczyslaw (1903-75)

IMJ242980

Supernova 1987A before and after explosion - Supernova 1987A before and after the explosion - Images of the Supernova 1987A, on the left, obtained on March 8, 1987, and of the same photograph field on the right on February 5, 1984. Images obtained with Siding Spring's 3.9m telescope. Supernova 1987A appeared in the constellation Doradus on February 23, 1987. Sometime during 23 February 1987 a supernova exploded in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), a nearby galaxy. However, the LMC is about 170,000 light years distant, so the supernova exploded 170,000 years ago. It was discovered the following day and brightened rapidly to become the first supernova to be easily visible to the unaided eye for almost 400 years. This photograph shows the field around the site of the supernova in great detail, both before the supernova exploded (right) and about 10 days afterwards, when it was still brightening

Supernova 1987A before and after explosion - Supernova 1987A before and after the explosion - Images of the Supernova 1987A, on the left, obtained on March 8, 1987, and of the same photograph field on the right on February 5, 1984. Images obtained with Siding Spring's 3.9m telescope. Supernova 1987A appeared in the constellation Doradus on February 23, 1987. Sometime during 23 February 1987 a supernova exploded in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), a nearby galaxy. However, the LMC is about 170,000 light years distant, so the supernova exploded 170,000 years ago. It was discovered the following day and brightened rapidly to become the first supernova to be easily visible to the unaided eye for almost 400 years. This photograph shows the field around the site of the supernova in great detail, both before the supernova exploded (right) and about 10 days afterwards, when it was still brightening

PIX4582336

The cluster of galaxies in Fornax - The cluster of galaxies in Fornax - clusters of galaxies situated about 55 million years ago - light. In the center of the image is the barree spiral galaxy NGC 1365; at the bottom right of the image, the interaction galaxy NGC 1316 - 17 (Fornax A), which is one of the strongest known radiosource. Galaxies can be separated by their appearance into two broad groups, spirals and ellipticals. An example of a spiral galaxy, NGC 1365, is seen in center of this picture. In contrast, most of the galaxies in this cluster are ellipticals, which contain little or no gas or evidence of star formation; indeed they are composed millions of rather old, yellowish stars. Unlike many of the stars in spiral systems, those in ellipticals have orbits which are not confined to a narrow plane, so the galaxy can have a shape anywhere between a perfect sphere and an American football. This kind of galaxy is the most common type in the photograph as it is in all of the nearb

The cluster of galaxies in Fornax - The cluster of galaxies in Fornax - clusters of galaxies situated about 55 million years ago - light. In the center of the image is the barree spiral galaxy NGC 1365; at the bottom right of the image, the interaction galaxy NGC 1316 - 17 (Fornax A), which is one of the strongest known radiosource. Galaxies can be separated by their appearance into two broad groups, spirals and ellipticals. An example of a spiral galaxy, NGC 1365, is seen in center of this picture. In contrast, most of the galaxies in this cluster are ellipticals, which contain little or no gas or evidence of star formation; indeed they are composed millions of rather old, yellowish stars. Unlike many of the stars in spiral systems, those in ellipticals have orbits which are not confined to a narrow plane, so the galaxy can have a shape anywhere between a perfect sphere and an American football. This kind of galaxy is the most common type in the photograph as it is in all of the nearb

PIX4565370

Irregular Galaxy IC 5152 in the Indian - A nearby galaxy, IC 5152 - IC 5152 is an irregular galaxy located about 5.8 million years ago - light. In the foreground, a star in our galaxy of 8th magnitude. Image made in 1982 with the 3.9m telescope of Siding Spring. This small blue galaxy is resolved into stars in this deep AAT picture, which means that it is relatively nearby. However despite its proximity, it is probably just beyond the Local Group, which is a loose collection of 30 or so galaxies within 2 or 3 million light years of the Milky Way. Apart from the Milky Way and the similarly massive M31 galaxy in Andromeda, most of our immediate extra - galactic neighbours are light - weight collections of stars and gas like IC 5152, though few (except the Large Magellanic Cloud) show such strong evidence of recent star formation The bright object which appears at the eastern end of the galaxy is an 8th magnitude blue star in the Milky Way

Irregular Galaxy IC 5152 in the Indian - A nearby galaxy, IC 5152 - IC 5152 is an irregular galaxy located about 5.8 million years ago - light. In the foreground, a star in our galaxy of 8th magnitude. Image made in 1982 with the 3.9m telescope of Siding Spring. This small blue galaxy is resolved into stars in this deep AAT picture, which means that it is relatively nearby. However despite its proximity, it is probably just beyond the Local Group, which is a loose collection of 30 or so galaxies within 2 or 3 million light years of the Milky Way. Apart from the Milky Way and the similarly massive M31 galaxy in Andromeda, most of our immediate extra - galactic neighbours are light - weight collections of stars and gas like IC 5152, though few (except the Large Magellanic Cloud) show such strong evidence of recent star formation The bright object which appears at the eastern end of the galaxy is an 8th magnitude blue star in the Milky Way

PIX4613299

Constellation of Big Bear - Constellation of Ursa Major - The constellation of Big Bear with the constellations of Hunting Dogs and Little Lion. Ursa Major is the third largest constellation in the sky but is not seen by skywatchers in the far southern hemisphere. However, it is the most recognisable of all constellations for those who can see it, mainly because of the asterism formed by the seven brightest stars. This is known as the Big Dipper in the USA, the Plough in Britain, various kinds of carts in Europe and a range of other objects in other cultures. Not surprisingly the constellation as a whole has a rich mythology associated with it, with many peoples projecting their stories among these beautiful stars. Greatly abbreviated, one ancient Greek version has Zeus romancing Callisto. His wife Hera changed Callisto into a bear out of jealousy. Hera's son Arcus found Callisto (the bear) by chance in the forest and was about to kill her, so to save her, Zeus turned Arcus into a smal

Constellation of Big Bear - Constellation of Ursa Major - The constellation of Big Bear with the constellations of Hunting Dogs and Little Lion. Ursa Major is the third largest constellation in the sky but is not seen by skywatchers in the far southern hemisphere. However, it is the most recognisable of all constellations for those who can see it, mainly because of the asterism formed by the seven brightest stars. This is known as the Big Dipper in the USA, the Plough in Britain, various kinds of carts in Europe and a range of other objects in other cultures. Not surprisingly the constellation as a whole has a rich mythology associated with it, with many peoples projecting their stories among these beautiful stars. Greatly abbreviated, one ancient Greek version has Zeus romancing Callisto. His wife Hera changed Callisto into a bear out of jealousy. Hera's son Arcus found Callisto (the bear) by chance in the forest and was about to kill her, so to save her, Zeus turned Arcus into a smal

PIX4591228

Constellations of the Indian, the Crane and Toucan - Constellations of Indus, Grus and Tucana - The southern constellation of the Indian, with to its left the constellations of the Crane (top) and Toucan. Indus (the Indian, widely taken to mean the American Indian) is a constellation devoid of bright stars in a mostly undistinguished part of the southern sky. It was created by Johann Bayer and appeared in his atlas of 1603. The reference to the American Indian comes from the constellation engraving by Bayer, which shows a figure carrying arrows; however, even if it was conspicuous, most of the constellation is invisible from the USA

Constellations of the Indian, the Crane and Toucan - Constellations of Indus, Grus and Tucana - The southern constellation of the Indian, with to its left the constellations of the Crane (top) and Toucan. Indus (the Indian, widely taken to mean the American Indian) is a constellation devoid of bright stars in a mostly undistinguished part of the southern sky. It was created by Johann Bayer and appeared in his atlas of 1603. The reference to the American Indian comes from the constellation engraving by Bayer, which shows a figure carrying arrows; however, even if it was conspicuous, most of the constellation is invisible from the USA

PIX4591840

Nebula NGC 6559 in Sagittarius - NGC 6559 and IC 1274 - 75 in Sagittarius - Located in Sagittarius, this nebula is located at a distance of about 5000 years - light from Earth. Image made with the 1.2m Telescope of Schmidt UK from Siding Spring. This dusty region is probably associated with the brighter and better - known Lagoon and Trifid Nebulae which are nearby in the sky and part of the same molecular cloud. The soft red glow of fluorescent hydrogen is evidence that there are young hot stars associated with the dusty clouds. These bright stars also illuminate the tiny solid particles, producing blue reflection nebulae bordering some of the emission regions. The dust is also evident in silhouette, both as sinuous dark lanes winding through the luminous gas and as the dark patches obscuring the ancient, yellow stars that populate the central parts of the Milky Way

Nebula NGC 6559 in Sagittarius - NGC 6559 and IC 1274 - 75 in Sagittarius - Located in Sagittarius, this nebula is located at a distance of about 5000 years - light from Earth. Image made with the 1.2m Telescope of Schmidt UK from Siding Spring. This dusty region is probably associated with the brighter and better - known Lagoon and Trifid Nebulae which are nearby in the sky and part of the same molecular cloud. The soft red glow of fluorescent hydrogen is evidence that there are young hot stars associated with the dusty clouds. These bright stars also illuminate the tiny solid particles, producing blue reflection nebulae bordering some of the emission regions. The dust is also evident in silhouette, both as sinuous dark lanes winding through the luminous gas and as the dark patches obscuring the ancient, yellow stars that populate the central parts of the Milky Way

PIX4619800

Aquarius Constellation - Constellation of Aquarius - Field around the Aquarius constelllation. The Helix planetary nebula appears as a red dot towards the center of the image. Aquarius (The Water Carrier) is a large but relatively insconspicuous southern zodiacal constellation and has an area of about 980 square degrees, which makes it the 10th largest. Its origins as a constellation can be traced back to Babylonian times and has usually been delineated as a figure pouring water from a jar in the general direction of Capricornus and Piscis Austrinus, themselves quite watery constellations. The Sun is in this part of the sky in February and March, following the Ecliptic. The constellation embraces many objects of telescopic interest, including the Helix nebula and the Mira - like variable star R Aquarii. Also notable are the globular clusters M2 (NGC 7089) and the Saturn planetary nebula NGC 7009. Best seen in the early evening in August

Aquarius Constellation - Constellation of Aquarius - Field around the Aquarius constelllation. The Helix planetary nebula appears as a red dot towards the center of the image. Aquarius (The Water Carrier) is a large but relatively insconspicuous southern zodiacal constellation and has an area of about 980 square degrees, which makes it the 10th largest. Its origins as a constellation can be traced back to Babylonian times and has usually been delineated as a figure pouring water from a jar in the general direction of Capricornus and Piscis Austrinus, themselves quite watery constellations. The Sun is in this part of the sky in February and March, following the Ecliptic. The constellation embraces many objects of telescopic interest, including the Helix nebula and the Mira - like variable star R Aquarii. Also notable are the globular clusters M2 (NGC 7089) and the Saturn planetary nebula NGC 7009. Best seen in the early evening in August

PIX4594332

Nebula NGC 6559 in Sagittarius - NGC 6559 and IC 1274 - 75 in Sagittarius - Located in Sagittarius, this nebula is located at a distance of about 5000 years - light from Earth. Image made with the 1.2m Telescope of Schmidt UK from Siding Spring. This dusty region is probably associated with the brighter and better - known Lagoon and Trifid Nebulae which are nearby in the sky and part of the same molecular cloud. The soft red glow of fluorescent hydrogen is evidence that there are young hot stars associated with the dusty clouds. These bright stars also illuminate the tiny solid particles, producing blue reflection nebulae bordering some of the emission regions. The dust is also evident in silhouette, both as sinuous dark lanes winding through the luminous gas and as the dark patches obscuring the ancient, yellow stars that populate the central parts of the Milky Way

Nebula NGC 6559 in Sagittarius - NGC 6559 and IC 1274 - 75 in Sagittarius - Located in Sagittarius, this nebula is located at a distance of about 5000 years - light from Earth. Image made with the 1.2m Telescope of Schmidt UK from Siding Spring. This dusty region is probably associated with the brighter and better - known Lagoon and Trifid Nebulae which are nearby in the sky and part of the same molecular cloud. The soft red glow of fluorescent hydrogen is evidence that there are young hot stars associated with the dusty clouds. These bright stars also illuminate the tiny solid particles, producing blue reflection nebulae bordering some of the emission regions. The dust is also evident in silhouette, both as sinuous dark lanes winding through the luminous gas and as the dark patches obscuring the ancient, yellow stars that populate the central parts of the Milky Way

PIX4619831

Constellation of Lupus and Norma - Constellation of Lupus and Norma - Also visible are the constellations of the Compas, the Southern Cross, and much of the Centaur. At the top of the picture, the bright spot is the planet Jupiter. Lupus, (the Wolf), was regarded by the Greeks and Romans as an unspecified wild animal, which the Centaur is carrying as a sacrifice the gods. The identification of Lupus as a wolf seems to have been made in relatively recent times. Both Lupus and Norma are in the rich starfields of the southern Milky Way, easily seen between Antares and alpha and beta Centaurii. The brightest object in this image is Jupiter, on the ecliptic at the top of the frame. Norma, (originally Norma and Regula, the builder's level and set square) is an insignificant scattering of stars compared to Lupus and Centaurus. Like the adjacent Circinus (the Drawing Compasses), it was invented by Nicolas de Lacaille, who charted the southern sky from South Africa in 1751 - 2 and felt obliged

Constellation of Lupus and Norma - Constellation of Lupus and Norma - Also visible are the constellations of the Compas, the Southern Cross, and much of the Centaur. At the top of the picture, the bright spot is the planet Jupiter. Lupus, (the Wolf), was regarded by the Greeks and Romans as an unspecified wild animal, which the Centaur is carrying as a sacrifice the gods. The identification of Lupus as a wolf seems to have been made in relatively recent times. Both Lupus and Norma are in the rich starfields of the southern Milky Way, easily seen between Antares and alpha and beta Centaurii. The brightest object in this image is Jupiter, on the ecliptic at the top of the frame. Norma, (originally Norma and Regula, the builder's level and set square) is an insignificant scattering of stars compared to Lupus and Centaurus. Like the adjacent Circinus (the Drawing Compasses), it was invented by Nicolas de Lacaille, who charted the southern sky from South Africa in 1751 - 2 and felt obliged

PIX4592199

Constellation of the Great Bear and Spring Triangle - The Big Dipper and spring triangle - View of the Great Bear with on its left the brilliant star Arcturus du Bouvier. Also visible are the star Spica and the constellation of the Lion. The stars Arcturus, Spica and Denebola form an asterism called the Spring Triangle. The Big Dipper with at left the bright star Arcturus in Bootes. Also visible the star Spica and the constellations of Leo. The stars Arcturus, Spica and Denebola are forming the asterism called the spring triangle

Constellation of the Great Bear and Spring Triangle - The Big Dipper and spring triangle - View of the Great Bear with on its left the brilliant star Arcturus du Bouvier. Also visible are the star Spica and the constellation of the Lion. The stars Arcturus, Spica and Denebola form an asterism called the Spring Triangle. The Big Dipper with at left the bright star Arcturus in Bootes. Also visible the star Spica and the constellations of Leo. The stars Arcturus, Spica and Denebola are forming the asterism called the spring triangle

PIX4591425

Constellation Scorpio - Milky way and constellation of Scorpius - Scorpius is one of the few constellations whose star pattern resembles its name. The curved stinging tail is marked by the star Shahula, probably from the Arabic 'Al Shaulah' meaning 'raised tail', as seen in a scorpion. In the body of the scorpion lies Antares, meaning 'rival of Mars' for its reddish colour. The head of the scorpion is echoed in the star name Dschubba, meaning 'forehead'. However, the scorpion shape looks trucated in our photograph and it is. In ancient times it extended into what is now Libra, where the brightest stars (not seen here) still carry the resonant names Zeubenelgenubi (a1,2 Lib, the southern claw) and Zeubeneschamali (ss Lib, the northern claw). This celestial scorpion was sent by a jealous Artemis to kill Orion, who still fees the venomous insect: as Scorpius rises Orion sets, and vice - versa. However, he could not be saved even by Asclepius, the god of healing, who was later sent into th

Constellation Scorpio - Milky way and constellation of Scorpius - Scorpius is one of the few constellations whose star pattern resembles its name. The curved stinging tail is marked by the star Shahula, probably from the Arabic 'Al Shaulah' meaning 'raised tail', as seen in a scorpion. In the body of the scorpion lies Antares, meaning 'rival of Mars' for its reddish colour. The head of the scorpion is echoed in the star name Dschubba, meaning 'forehead'. However, the scorpion shape looks trucated in our photograph and it is. In ancient times it extended into what is now Libra, where the brightest stars (not seen here) still carry the resonant names Zeubenelgenubi (a1,2 Lib, the southern claw) and Zeubeneschamali (ss Lib, the northern claw). This celestial scorpion was sent by a jealous Artemis to kill Orion, who still fees the venomous insect: as Scorpius rises Orion sets, and vice - versa. However, he could not be saved even by Asclepius, the god of healing, who was later sent into th

PIX4593873

Aquarius Constellation - Constellation of Aquarius - Field around the Aquarius constelllation. The Helix planetary nebula appears as a red dot towards the center of the image. Aquarius (The Water Carrier) is a large but relatively insconspicuous southern zodiacal constellation and has an area of about 980 square degrees, which makes it the 10th largest. Its origins as a constellation can be traced back to Babylonian times and has usually been delineated as a figure pouring water from a jar in the general direction of Capricornus and Piscis Austrinus, themselves quite watery constellations. The Sun is in this part of the sky in February and March, following the Ecliptic. The constellation embraces many objects of telescopic interest, including the Helix nebula and the Mira - like variable star R Aquarii. Also notable are the globular clusters M2 (NGC 7089) and the Saturn planetary nebula NGC 7009. Best seen in the early evening in August

Aquarius Constellation - Constellation of Aquarius - Field around the Aquarius constelllation. The Helix planetary nebula appears as a red dot towards the center of the image. Aquarius (The Water Carrier) is a large but relatively insconspicuous southern zodiacal constellation and has an area of about 980 square degrees, which makes it the 10th largest. Its origins as a constellation can be traced back to Babylonian times and has usually been delineated as a figure pouring water from a jar in the general direction of Capricornus and Piscis Austrinus, themselves quite watery constellations. The Sun is in this part of the sky in February and March, following the Ecliptic. The constellation embraces many objects of telescopic interest, including the Helix nebula and the Mira - like variable star R Aquarii. Also notable are the globular clusters M2 (NGC 7089) and the Saturn planetary nebula NGC 7009. Best seen in the early evening in August

PIX4594347

Horsehead Nebula (B33) in Orion - Horsehead nebula in Orion - The horse head nebula, Barnard 33, is a dark nebula located in front of the IC 434 emission nebula about 1500 years - light of the Earth in the constellation Orion. Lower left is the reflexion nebula, NGC 2023. This curious dark nebula is one of the best - known images in astronomy, probably because of its chance likeness to a recognisable form. The horse - head shape is an extension of a large cloud of dust which fills the lower part (east) of the picture and hides the light of stars beyond. The outer surface of the dusty gas (IC 434) runs roughly north - south and is illuminated by sigma Orionis (off the top of the picture) which causes the hydrogen there to fluoresce, outlining the horse - head shape. The diffuse haze to the left of the image (north) is scattered light from the bright star zeta Orionis. Though conspicuous here, the Horsehead is very difficult to see visually, even with a large telescope. A bright star is

Horsehead Nebula (B33) in Orion - Horsehead nebula in Orion - The horse head nebula, Barnard 33, is a dark nebula located in front of the IC 434 emission nebula about 1500 years - light of the Earth in the constellation Orion. Lower left is the reflexion nebula, NGC 2023. This curious dark nebula is one of the best - known images in astronomy, probably because of its chance likeness to a recognisable form. The horse - head shape is an extension of a large cloud of dust which fills the lower part (east) of the picture and hides the light of stars beyond. The outer surface of the dusty gas (IC 434) runs roughly north - south and is illuminated by sigma Orionis (off the top of the picture) which causes the hydrogen there to fluoresce, outlining the horse - head shape. The diffuse haze to the left of the image (north) is scattered light from the bright star zeta Orionis. Though conspicuous here, the Horsehead is very difficult to see visually, even with a large telescope. A bright star is

PIX4622095

Horsehead Nebula (B33) in Orion - Horsehead nebula in Orion - The horse head nebula, Barnard 33, is a dark nebula located in front of the IC 434 emission nebula about 1500 years - light of the Earth in the constellation Orion. Lower left is the reflexion nebula, NGC 2023. This curious dark nebula is one of the best - known images in astronomy, probably because of its chance likeness to a recognisable form. The horse - head shape is an extension of a large cloud of dust which fills the lower part (east) of the picture and hides the light of stars beyond. The outer surface of the dusty gas (IC 434) runs roughly north - south and is illuminated by sigma Orionis (off the top of the picture) which causes the hydrogen there to fluoresce, outlining the horse - head shape. The diffuse haze to the left of the image (north) is scattered light from the bright star zeta Orionis. Though conspicuous here, the Horsehead is very difficult to see visually, even with a large telescope. A bright star is

Horsehead Nebula (B33) in Orion - Horsehead nebula in Orion - The horse head nebula, Barnard 33, is a dark nebula located in front of the IC 434 emission nebula about 1500 years - light of the Earth in the constellation Orion. Lower left is the reflexion nebula, NGC 2023. This curious dark nebula is one of the best - known images in astronomy, probably because of its chance likeness to a recognisable form. The horse - head shape is an extension of a large cloud of dust which fills the lower part (east) of the picture and hides the light of stars beyond. The outer surface of the dusty gas (IC 434) runs roughly north - south and is illuminated by sigma Orionis (off the top of the picture) which causes the hydrogen there to fluoresce, outlining the horse - head shape. The diffuse haze to the left of the image (north) is scattered light from the bright star zeta Orionis. Though conspicuous here, the Horsehead is very difficult to see visually, even with a large telescope. A bright star is

PIX4622023

Constellation of Hercules - Constellation of Hercules - Constellation of Hercules and Boreal Crown. On the left, the bright star is Vega de la Lyre. Hercules, the Roman Hero, is best known for his twelve labours, mentioned throughout the Greek constellation legends as Herakles, who is sometimes identified with the much older (5000 BC) Sumerian strong man Gilgamesh. To the Greeks he was the son of Zeus and the earthly queen Alkmene. Zeus' goddess wife Hera was not best pleased and sought to destroy Herakles. Later he was to accomplish eight heroic acts as well as his famous 12 labours, these last perhaps representing the Sun's passage through the zodiacal constellations. The constellation is the fifth largest in the sky but does not catch the eye and has no bright stars rivaling Vega in adjoining Lyra or even the much fainter Gemma in Corona Borealis to the west. However, there are many interesting double stars in Hercules as well as the northern hemisphere's finest globular cluster M13

Constellation of Hercules - Constellation of Hercules - Constellation of Hercules and Boreal Crown. On the left, the bright star is Vega de la Lyre. Hercules, the Roman Hero, is best known for his twelve labours, mentioned throughout the Greek constellation legends as Herakles, who is sometimes identified with the much older (5000 BC) Sumerian strong man Gilgamesh. To the Greeks he was the son of Zeus and the earthly queen Alkmene. Zeus' goddess wife Hera was not best pleased and sought to destroy Herakles. Later he was to accomplish eight heroic acts as well as his famous 12 labours, these last perhaps representing the Sun's passage through the zodiacal constellations. The constellation is the fifth largest in the sky but does not catch the eye and has no bright stars rivaling Vega in adjoining Lyra or even the much fainter Gemma in Corona Borealis to the west. However, there are many interesting double stars in Hercules as well as the northern hemisphere's finest globular cluster M13

PIX4591695

Holocaust: allegory of concentration camps, Jewish prisoners behind the barbed wire, wearing the striped uniform and the yellow star (Shoah: allegory of concentration camp, jewish prisoners behind the barbed wire, wearing the striped uniform and the yellow star) Illustration by Alessandro Lonati

premium — Holocaust: allegory of concentration camps, Jewish prisoners behind the barbed wire, wearing the striped uniform and the yellow star (Shoah: allegory of concentration camp, jewish prisoners behind the barbed wire, wearing the striped uniform and the yellow star) Illustration by Alessandro Lonati

Holocaust: allegory of concentration camps, Jewish prisoners behind the barbed wire, wearing the striped uniform and the yellow star (Shoah: allegory of concentration camp, jewish prisoners behind the barbed wire, wearing the striped uniform and the yellow star) Illustration by Alessandro Lonati

Lonati, Alessandro (b.1980)

LTI4123273

Tarantula nebula before the appearance of supernova 1987A - The Tarantula Nebula, before supernova SN1987A - Tarantula Nebula photographed in 1984. Image obtained with Siding Spring's 3.9m telescope. Supernova 1987A appeared in the constellation Doradus on February 23, 1987. By great good fortune, the star (Sanduleak - 69* 202) which exploded as the supernova, had been observed some years previously and was found to be a typical young, bluish star, much hotter and brighter than stars like the Sun. There are many similar stars in this part of the LMC which is dominated by the spectacular red cloud of the Tarantula Nebula. It in such nebulae that stars are formed, often in compact groups such as those scattered across this photograph, which was taken in 1984

Tarantula nebula before the appearance of supernova 1987A - The Tarantula Nebula, before supernova SN1987A - Tarantula Nebula photographed in 1984. Image obtained with Siding Spring's 3.9m telescope. Supernova 1987A appeared in the constellation Doradus on February 23, 1987. By great good fortune, the star (Sanduleak - 69* 202) which exploded as the supernova, had been observed some years previously and was found to be a typical young, bluish star, much hotter and brighter than stars like the Sun. There are many similar stars in this part of the LMC which is dominated by the spectacular red cloud of the Tarantula Nebula. It in such nebulae that stars are formed, often in compact groups such as those scattered across this photograph, which was taken in 1984

PIX4582367

Constellations of the Fly and the Southern Cross - Constellations of Musca and the Southern cross - The Southern Cross and the Alpha and Beta Stars of Centaur. Below, the constellation of the Fly. In contrast to adjacent Crux, Musca (The Fly) is a much less obvious, less distinguished and less useful constellation that first appeared in Johann Bayer's 1603 Uranometria. It is one of a dozen created by the Dutch explorers/navigators Pieter Dirkszoon Keyser and Frederick de Houtman on their voyages into the south seas in the late 16th century

Constellations of the Fly and the Southern Cross - Constellations of Musca and the Southern cross - The Southern Cross and the Alpha and Beta Stars of Centaur. Below, the constellation of the Fly. In contrast to adjacent Crux, Musca (The Fly) is a much less obvious, less distinguished and less useful constellation that first appeared in Johann Bayer's 1603 Uranometria. It is one of a dozen created by the Dutch explorers/navigators Pieter Dirkszoon Keyser and Frederick de Houtman on their voyages into the south seas in the late 16th century

PIX4592314

Tarantula Nebula and Supernova 1987A - The Tarantula Nebula and supernova 1987a in the LMC - Tarantula Nebula photographed in 1987, two weeks after the appearance of the 1987A supernova. Image obtained with Siding Spring's 3.9m telescope. Supernova 1987A appeared in the constellation Doradus on February 23, 1987. The brightest star in this picture is the first supernova to be visible to the unaided eye for almost 400 years. It occured in a region rich in young, blue stars and it was one of these which destroyed itself. When this picture was taken, about 2 weeks after the supernova was discovered, at the end of February, 1987, the expanding shell of material had already changed from blue to orange - red as it cooled. The location of the supernova in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) means that it can only be seen from the southern hemisphere

Tarantula Nebula and Supernova 1987A - The Tarantula Nebula and supernova 1987a in the LMC - Tarantula Nebula photographed in 1987, two weeks after the appearance of the 1987A supernova. Image obtained with Siding Spring's 3.9m telescope. Supernova 1987A appeared in the constellation Doradus on February 23, 1987. The brightest star in this picture is the first supernova to be visible to the unaided eye for almost 400 years. It occured in a region rich in young, blue stars and it was one of these which destroyed itself. When this picture was taken, about 2 weeks after the supernova was discovered, at the end of February, 1987, the expanding shell of material had already changed from blue to orange - red as it cooled. The location of the supernova in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) means that it can only be seen from the southern hemisphere

PIX4582389

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