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Orion Nebula question

  • 11-04-2011 9:34pm
    #1
    Amtmann
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,093 ✭✭✭


    So I've always loved the constellation of Orion. I've been looking at Rigel and Betelgeuse with my new binoculars. Sure, I can't see much; but I can see colour which I never noticed before.

    Anyway, looking at the Orion Nebula, I'm noticing what appear to be two points of light in a blurry area that I presume is nebula. Are these stars within the nebula or in front of it?
    Tagged:


Comments

  • #2
    peterako
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 720 ✭✭✭peterako


    I'm not sure. But this may be a start.

    Clear skies,
    Peter


  • #3
    Amtmann
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,093 ✭✭✭Amtmann


    Looked at that already ;)

    The mystery remains!


  • #4
    rccaulfield
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,015 ✭✭✭rccaulfield


    Depends what you mean by in front of it. There are no stars in front of the nebula according to my stellarium programme as you zoom in. All the visible stars are born in there and emerging toward us-perhaps you could technically say they are now slightly in front? There defo not behind all that unimaginable vast amount of gas!


  • #5
    Popoutman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,363 ✭✭✭Popoutman


    One of those two points is actually the multiple star system that we know as the Trapezium. In a scope there are 4 easily seen stars within about 10 arc seconds of each other and a few fainter ones that need properly large telescopes (8-12" usually) to be able to see clearly.
    The Trapezium is contained within the gas cloud that forms the Orion Nebula, and the UV radiation from these young and hot stars is what's causing the nebula to glow through fluorescence of the hydrogen and oxygen contained in the cloud.


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