Dust and gas lanes give the Purple Star Nebula its name. The red and purple colors of the nebula are present in different regions, and are created by different processes. The bright star AE Aurigae, visible toward the image right, is so hot it is blue, emitting light so energetic it knocks electrons away from surrounding gas. When a proton recaptures an electron, red light is frequently emitted. The purple region's colour is a mix of this red light and blue light emitted by AE Aurigae but reflected to us by surrounding dust. The two regions are referred to as emission nebula and reflection nebula, respectively. This Nebula, officially known as IC 405, lies about 1500 light years distant, spans about 5 light years, and is visible with a small telescope toward the constellation of Auriga.
Purple Saturday Aug 8, 2009
Purple Saturday
... make one yourself, quick, simple, EASY! Click link above to join
