Astronomy Picture of the Day -- Molecular Cloud Barnard 68

NASA ^ | December 14, 2014 | (see photo credit)

[SunkenCiv]

Explanation: Where did all the stars go? What used to be considered a hole in the sky is now known to astronomers as a dark molecular cloud. Here, a high concentration of dust and molecular gas absorb practically all the visible light emitted from background stars. The eerily dark surroundings help make the interiors of molecular clouds some of the coldest and most isolated places in the universe. One of the most notable of these dark absorption nebulae is a cloud toward the constellation Ophiuchus known as Barnard 68, pictured above. That no stars are visible in the center indicates that Barnard 68 is relatively nearby, with measurements placing it about 500 light-years away and half a light-year across. It is not known exactly how molecular clouds like Barnard 68 form, but it is known that these clouds are themselves likely places for new stars to form. In fact, Barnard 68 itself has been found likely to collapse and form a new star system. It is possible to look right through the cloud in infrared light.

[SunkenCiv]

[Credit: FORS Team, 8.2-meter VLT Antu, ESO]

[SunkenCiv]

The Big One

join or quit list APoD 'blog post new APoD topic Astronomy Picture of the Day topic & keyword Astronomy Chat, Bloggers & keyword Science Chat, Bloggers & keyword NASA's APoD archive Calendar 1995-present APoD on your desktop

[txnativegop]

SunkinCiv,

You never cease to amaze. This is a wonderful picture.

Thanks,
txnativegop

[MUDDOG]

some of the coldest and most isolated places in the universe... 500 light-years away

It's so very lonely, you're 500 light-years from home.

[cripplecreek]

There are giant squids in space I tell ya.

[Lurker]

+1.

[ClearCase_guy]

It reminds me of “The Wrinkle In Time” by Madeleine L’Engle —
the universe is under attack from an evil being who appears as a large dark cloud called The Black Thing, which is essentially the personification of evil. The stars fight against the blackness and sometimes sacrifice themsleves.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

I read that as a kid. Creeped me out. But, it gave me a love for Scfi-Fi and I read voraciously after that.

As for the APOD...it reminds me of the Coal Sack talked about in a number of Larry Niven's 'Known Universe' stories.

[TheOldLady]

Oooh, eerie. There is one little red star near the top left and another
one, slightly larger and more toward the center, but above it.

It's easy to see in The Big One

Thank you for the post and ping, Mr. Civ.

[SunkenCiv]

My pleasure. It’s great that these enormous things can be seen from a long way off.

[SunkenCiv]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAg3SalURfA

[SunkenCiv]

My pleasure, and thanks for the kind remarks, txnativegop.

[SunkenCiv]

I ink you’re right!

[SunkenCiv]

Sounds great. :’)

http://www.google.com/search?q=The%20Wrinkle%20In%20Time%20by%20Madeleine%20L’Engle

[txnativegop]

you’re welcome!

[TheOldLady]

It’s also great that you have carved out enough time for yourself to
post and ping the APODs again. You’re doing a great job, Sir.

[xone]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Immunity_Syndrome_%28Star_Trek:_The_Original_Series%29