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NASA captures image of 'Wreath nebula'

NASA captures image of 'Wreath nebula'

Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/UCLA

NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) mission presents the "Wreath nebula." Though this isn't the nebula's official name (it's actually called Barnard 3, or IRAS Ring G159.6-18.5), one might picture a wreath in these bright green and red dust clouds -- a ring of evergreens donned with a festive red bow, a jaunty sprig of holly, and silver bells throughout.

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KING 5 News

Posted on December 23, 2011 at 3:56 PM

Just in time for Christmas!

NASA astronomers have come across a new image from outer space that some say resembles a wreath. NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, captured the image of star-forming nebula Barnard 3, complete with red and green dust clouds and blueish white stars.

The bright star in the middle of the red cloud, called HD 278942, is so luminous that it's likely causing most of the surrounding clouds to glow, says NASA. The red cloud is probably made of dust that's more metallic and cooler than the surrounding regions.

For more information about the "Wreath nebula" or WISE, go to NASA's website.


 

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