By Sakshi Sah
Published Sep 09, 2024

Photo Credits: NASA

NASA reveals 5 star formation insights in nearby nebula

NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, is responsible for space exploration and aerospace research. It conducts missions to explore space, develop technology, and study Earth and the universe.

Video Credits: NASA

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope is a flagship observatory that has provided stunning images and valuable data about distant galaxies, star formations, and cosmic phenomena.

Photo Credits: NASA

NASA's Hubble has tracked star formation in a nearby nebula.

Photo Credits: NASA

A brilliant ruby red hue illuminates NGC 261, showcasing its beauty amidst a sea of stars.

Photo Credits: NASA

NGC 261 was first discovered on September 5, 1826, by Scottish astronomer James Dunlop.

Photo Credits: NASA

This nebula resides in the small magellanic cloud, one of the Milky Way’s closest galactic companions.

Photo Credits: NASA

NGC 261 is classified as an emission nebula, characterised by ionised gas that emits a pinkish-red glow.

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The nebula is home to numerous stars that emit radiation, which ionises the surrounding hydrogen gas.

Photo Credits: NASA

Hubble focused on NGC 261 to explore how efficiently stars form within molecular clouds.

Photo Credits: NASA

Molecular clouds are dense, compact regions of gas and dust where most star formation occurs.

Photo Credits: NASA