Ch..Ch..Ch..Ch..Changes..
Things are far from being static in the universe. Bright comets visit the solar system, stars may explode, nebula evolve, and huge galaxies majestically spin. But the vast distances involved often render these changes essentially imperceptible - even when monitored over the span of decades and centuries. However, certain types of
variable nebula can show dramatic changes in form and structure over the span of months - even days. The most famous of these is
NGC 2261 or Hubble's Variable Nebula , an object made famous by American astronomer Edwin Hubble. It was the first object to be imaged/studied by the 200-inch Hale Telescope on Mt. Palomar.
Today's SHINY - the doctor's study of Hubble's Variable Nebula
NGC 2261 - a year ago (2/6/08)
Image taken on 2-16-09:
Notice the structure and brightness changes in the nebula.
Same image 'reversed' to show fainter details
Now check out this incredible color image by Daniel Verschatse of the nebula:
Details on how this image was taken can be found by hitting the
clicky. I hope you found today's little tour of the cosmos informative and SHINY.
:-)