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2024, March 2024, 2024 monthly winners Charles Lillo 2024, March 2024, 2024 monthly winners Charles Lillo

ATLAS - the unexpected Supernova Remnant G209.8-8.2 in Orion

Supernova Remnant G209.8-8.2, nestled within the sprawling constellation of Orion, stands as a testament to the cataclysmic events that shape the cosmos. Born from the explosive death of a massive star, this remnant carries the echoes of a stellar demise, scattering its remnants across the cosmic landscape. As the shockwave from the supernova blast continues to propagate through space, it interacts with the surrounding interstellar medium, creating intricate patterns of gas and dust that trace the remnants of the progenitor star.

Spanning across vast expanses of space, Supernova Remnant G209.8-8.2 offers astronomers a glimpse into the turbulent aftermath of a supernova explosion. Its intricate structure, shaped by the forces of stellar winds and interstellar dynamics, provides valuable insights into the life cycle of stars and the processes that govern the evolution of galaxies. Studying this remnant allows scientists to unravel the mysteries of stellar explosions, shedding light on the origins of heavy elements and the energetic phenomena that shape the universe. As it graces the night sky with its celestial presence, Supernova Remnant G209.8-8.2 stands as a reminder of the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the cosmos.

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2024, February 2024, 2024 monthly winners Charles Lillo 2024, February 2024, 2024 monthly winners Charles Lillo

Barnard's Merope IC349, inside Merope NGC1435 in the Pleiades

Amidst the cosmic tapestry of the Pleiades star cluster, the ethereal beauty of Barnard's Merope, designated IC 349, unfolds as a delicate nebular veil draped around the celestial jewel Merope. This intricate scene captures the interplay of interstellar dust and starlight, creating a celestial spectacle that graces the Pleiades with a touch of cosmic elegance.

IC 349, a reflection nebula, mirrors the radiant glow of Merope, one of the Seven Sisters within the Pleiades cluster. The nebular veils, illuminated by the star's brilliance, add a subtle celestial adornment, enhancing the visual richness of this stellar ensemble. As astronomers gaze upon Barnard's Merope, they witness not only the aesthetic charm of interstellar dust but also the scientific significance embedded in the delicate dance between starlight and cosmic particles. This cosmic tableau serves as a testament to the intricate relationships within star clusters, offering a glimpse into the astrophysical processes that shape and adorn our celestial surroundings.

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2024, January 2024, 2024 monthly winners Charles Lillo 2024, January 2024, 2024 monthly winners Charles Lillo

Robin’s Egg Nebula

NGC 1360 is interesting for several reasons:

First, it is one of the few planetary nebulae where an intense stellar magnetic field has been observed. Indeed, the central star of this nebula has an intense magnetic field observed and the fast wind is no longer present, which indicates that a reflux process has probably developed.

Secondly, the nebula shows an elongated morphology and almost without relief, with no apparent glossy edge, no clear inner boundary or central cavity. The absence of a central cavity explains and confirms the absence of fast stellar winds.

Third, This nebula presents a bipolar jet of matter from its host star.

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