This amazing star-forming region harbours approximately 2500 young stars that collectively energize the surrounding atoms that themselves give off the radiation we see from this emission nebula.
ReadAlso known as M51, we earthlings see this galaxy as intertwined with its companion galaxy, the dwarf NGC5195, even though they are ~25 million light-years apart.
ReadJust below Orion's belt, this nebula is a highlight of the North American winter sky and is one of the most photographed and studied celestial objects.
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