The Constellation of Orion is one of the most observed stars in the night sky. For millennia have ancient people considered this place in the night sky of extreme importance, since, it was thought that from there mankind’s creator gods arrived, kickstarting civilization on Earth.
The Constellation of Orion held a special place not only in Mythologies around the world but in history and lifestyle as well.
The Orion Nebula, also known as Messier 42, M42, or NGC 1976, is a diffuse nebula located south of the Orion belt. It is one of the brightest nebulae that exist and is one of the few that can be observed with the naked eye on the night sky. It is located about 1,270 light years from Earth and has an approximate diameter of 24 light years.
The Orion Nebula shines in this VLT Survey Telescope image. ESO/G. Beccari
Now, Astronomers and visualization specialists from NASA’s Universe of Learning program have created a spectacular three-dimensional movie of the Orion Nebula, the cosmic stellar nursery.
With the aid of visible and infrared cameras of the Hubble and Spitzer space telescopes along with Hollywood techniques, a team from the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, and the Caltech / IPAC in Pasadena, California, have produced the best and most detailed visualization of multiple wavelengths of the Orion nebula.
The Goal is to create a new generation of products and experiences developed by NASA’s Universe of Learning program, that enables not only scientists but the general public to explore fundamental questions in science, experience how science is done, and discover the universe for themselves.
“Being able to fly through the nebula’s tapestry in three dimensions gives people a much better sense of what the universe is really like,” explained the Space Telescope Science Institute’s visualization scientist Frank Summers, who led the team that developed the movie.
“By adding depth and structure to the amazing images, this fly-through helps elucidate the universe for the public, both educating and inspiring,” added Summers.
The three-minute movie allows viewers to glide through the picturesque star-forming region and experience the universe in a new and exciting way, according to NASA.
“Looking at the universe in infrared light gives striking context for the more familiar visible-light views. This movie provides a uniquely immersive chance to see how new features appear as we shift to wavelengths of light normally invisible to our eyes,” said Robert Hurt, lead visualization scientist at IPAC.
Here’s the video, ENJOY!
Source: NASA Space Telescopes Provide a 3D Journey Through the Orion Nebula