Today seems to be astronomy day, as we have three posts for you. In the first of these, the European Southern Observatory (ESO) have captured a truly gorgeous image of the Lagoon Nebula using the Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy (VISTA). The Lagoon Nebula is an emission nebula. An emission nebula is simply one that is being heated up from stars within its interior, and emitting light in various colors. The Lagoon Nebula is located approximately 4,000 light years away in the constellation of Sagittarius (the Archer). If you looked at this nebula with your eye, it would appear grey. A time exposure image of the nebula would make it appear pink. However, this image appears blue because it is being imaged by VISTA in the near-infrared wavelengths.
This zoom sequence starts with a wide view of the spectacular central regions of the Milky Way. As we zoom in the prominent red patch of the Lagoon Nebula becomes apparent. First we see a detailed visible-light view from the Wide Field Imager on the MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope at La Silla in Chile and then finally the new infrared view from the VISTA telescope at Paranal.
Credit:
ESO/VVV/S. Brunier/S. Guisard
Music: John Dyson (from the album “Darklight”)
Acknowledgment: Cambridge Astronomical Survey Unit
via : VISTA Stares Deeply into the Blue Lagoon
Another video is after the break:
