Large gaseous nebula in which stars are forming. The illumination from within creates a three-dimensional effect.
This public domain photo is from GRIN, the Great Images In NASA Collection within the NASA image archive.
This photograph captures a massive star-birthing nebula in the constellation Triangulum. This nebula consists of a contorted cloud of gases lit by the forming stars within, much like a flame within a lamp.
This is a cool three-dimensional-feeling image that would work well in space illustration or as a layer in a background collage.
This image was taken by the Hubble Space Telescope – NASA. NASA is an Agency of the United States Government, therefore this image is in the public domain.
2.47 Megabyte JPG. Hosted by nasa.gov.
User Descriptions
03.20.10
This is a picture of a nebula in outer space. There are what appears to be billowing clouds around the center of the nebula, but I assume they are really clouds of gas from the stars being formed. I have read places that the colors are put there through infrared photography captured by telescopes or satellites. I think this is a shame because it would be great to look up in the sky and see something like this with your naked eye. Stars are born in nebulae, but I have also read that they can die there. I think this would make a great desktop background image, with all the stars and colors bursting from it. Some of the blurring in the image makes it appear to be moving. The name of this nebula is not given, but I have noticed that the various nebulae have distinct features that distinguish them from each other. Astronomers and scientists give names to nebula based on their appearance and/or coloration. I would name this one “Angry God” because all the dark colors in it make me thing of a god in the sky looming over everyone, exacting judgment where deserved. I would not want to be on his bad side!