                        Astronomy Picture of the Day

    Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our
      fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation
                    written by a professional astronomer.

                                2024 June 10
      A starfield is shown with a large colorful emission nebula in the
     center. The outline of this emission nebula has a resemblance to a
       lion. Please see the explanation for more detailed information.

                          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.

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                                 (post 1995)
                       Tomorrow's picture: star clouds
     __________________________________________________________________

       Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP)
            NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply.
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                           NASA Science Activation
                             & Michigan Tech. U.

