Sh2-132: 狮子星云

Sh2-132: The Lion Nebula
Image Credit & Copyright: Imran Badr; Text: Natalia Lewandowska (SUNY Oswego)

Explanation: Is the Lion Nebula the real ruler of the constellation Cepheus? This powerful feline appearing nebula is powered by two massive stars, each with a mass over 20 times greater than our Sun. Formed from shells of ionized gas that have expanded, the nebula’s energetic matter not only glows, but is dense enough to contract gravitationally and form stars. The angular size of the Lion Nebula, officially named Sh2-132, is slightly greater than that of the full moon. The gaseous iconic region resides about 10,000 light years away in a constellation named after the King of Aethopia in Greek mythology.

Your Sky Surprise: What picture did APOD feature on your birthday? (post 1995)

Tomorrow’s picture: star clouds

Sh2-132: 狮子星云
影像提供与版权: Imran Badr; 文稿提供: Natalia Lewandowska (SUNY Oswego)

说明: 狮子星云是仙王座的真正统治者吗？这团形似强壮猫科动物的星云，其能量源是2颗质量超过20倍太阳的大质量恒星。由电离壳层状气体所构成的这团星云，其气壳不但会散发明亮的辉光，而且密度也高到可以进行引力塌缩形成恒星。编录号为Sh2-132的狮子星云，其视张角略大于满月。这团具有标志性外观、距离约10,000光年远的气体，位于以希腊神话的埃塞俄比亚国王为名的星座（仙王座）之内。