maurizio_carioli posted on instagram


@Regrann from @astrophysics_ – This dark cloud is a region located within NGC 281. Dark clouds, such as the one above, are regions in which star formation is taking place. Knots of collapsing gas separate into clumps called bok globules. Bok globules are dark and dense, but within them, the process of gravitational collapse continues. As the gas collapses the temperature rises. A globule may divide into one or more areas of collapse. These areas will become protostars. As the protostars draw in more material, a flat disk of gas with a dense centre is formed within the globule. Soon the protostar becomes a real star. This process of gravitational collapse is currently taking place within the bok globule in the image above. Although it may appear to be dark from the outside, on the inside one of the most violent and spectacular events in the universe is taking place: star formation. This is a clear example that what’s on the outside isn’t what always counts.
Image credit: NASA/ESA
#astronomy #astronomer #astrophysics #space #cosmos #science #physics #universe #stars #planet #astronaut #constellation #interstellar #spacetravel #outerspace #instaspace #instalike #instafollow #astrobiology #Nasa #Hubble #telescope #galaxy #stargazing #starstuff #astrophysics_ #Regrann by maurizio_carioli

ruikinoshita posted on instagram


Literally, what a view. 😳😳😳 #Repost @nasa with @repostapp.
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Our Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter recently captured a unique view of Earth from the spacecraft’s vantage point in orbit around the moon. Seen in this composite image, we see Earth appear to rise over the lunar horizon from the viewpoint of the spacecraft, with the center of the Earth just off the coast of Liberia. On the moon, we get a glimpse of the crater Compton, which is located just beyond the eastern limb of the moon, on the lunar farside.

LRO was launched on June 18, 2009, and has collected a treasure trove of data with its seven powerful instruments, making an invaluable contribution to our knowledge about the moon. LRO experiences 12 earthrises every day; however the spacecraft is almost always busy imaging the lunar surface so only rarely does an opportunity arise such that its camera instrument can capture a view of Earth.

Image credit: NASA/Goddard/Arizona State University
#nasa #space #moon #earth #science #astronomy #lro #lunar #earthrise by ruikinoshita