Infrared/visible light comparison of views of the Lagoon Nebula (Messier 8)

This image compares infrared and visible views of the Lagoon Nebula (Messier 8). The visible light image (lower) was taken with the Wide Field Imager on the MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope at La Silla in Chile. The new infrared image (upper) was taken with the VISTA telescope at ESO’s Paranal Observatory. In the infrared, the rich dust clouds become more transparent and the gas clouds less conspicuous. A whole host of cool red stars that are otherwise invisible can be seen.

Crediti:

ESO/VVV
Acknowledgment: Cambridge Astronomical Survey Unit

Riguardo l'immagine

Identificazione:eso1101b
Tipo:Collage
Data di rilascio:Mercoledì 05 Gennaio 2011 12:00
Notizie relative:eso1101
Grandezza:4581 x 4388 px

Riguardo all'oggetto

Nome:Lagoon Nebula, Messier 8
Tipo:Milky Way : Nebula : Type : Star Formation
Distanza:5000 Anni luce
Categoria:Nebulae

Formati delle immagini

JPEG grande
7,3 MB