Orion
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Observations of Star Birth
Astronomers have a pretty solid idea of how stars are born. They begin within the dense, cold dust of an interstellar cloud such as this one. They heat up and get more luminous as they contract, and then drop in…
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What is Contagious Star Formation?
Recognize this nebula? Yeah…we’re talking about the Orion Nebula again. I know, we already took a tour through the Orion constellation in my last post…but there’s still more to cover about how stars come to life, and Orion is still the…
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The Orion Nebula: A Stellar Nursery
One of my favorite objects to show people at astronomy outreach events is the Orion Nebula. Not only does it reside within a fairly well-known constellation, but it’s a gorgeous sight to see with a good telescope. There’s no time like…
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Mapping the Sky
I need you guys to help me with something. Can you find a horse in this image of the night sky? Yeah, me neither. I’m lost. I see the Great Square of Pegasus because I know what to look for,…
