scientists from European Southern Observatory (ESO)using the Very Large Telescope (VLT), managed to capture one of the most detailed images of lThe Cone Nebula, a structure that looks like a Cyclops from Greek mythology.
According to a report published on the website of D.W.the experts described the nebula as a pillar-shaped phenomenon, located in the constellation of Monoceros, also known as the constellation of the unicorn and in which, within which, new stars rise.
The report adds that the image was captured at the beginning of the year in Chile and was created as part of the informative initiative Joyas cósmicas. It was presented for the sixtieth anniversary of ESO.
The spatial structure, also known as NGC 2264it’s found located just 2,500 light years from Earth. The nebula developed into a giant cloud of cold molecular gas and dust and is what the ESO calls a ‘star factory’.
A “monstrous creature”
The astronomer William Herschel was the one who discovered the Cone Nebula at the end of the 17th century. The great pillar that can be seen in the center has a dimension of seven light years.
The ESO report explains: “This vision is more spectacular than any obtained before, as it shows the dark, impenetrable and cloudy appearance of the nebula in a way that reminds us of a mythological or monstrous creature.”.
“This type of pillar appears when newly formed massive bright blue stars emit stellar winds and intense ultraviolet radiation that ejects material from their neighborhood.”, he added.
As the material recedes, gas and dust further away from young stars are compressed into tall, dense, dark structures such as the Cone Nebula, dubbed a “monster creature” because of its cyclip-like resemblance. mythological.
