AAPOD2 Image Archives
Spaghetti Nebula
Sh2-240, the Spaghetti Nebula, unfolds within the constellation Taurus, offering a celestial spectacle that defies earthly comparisons. This intricate emission nebula, illuminated by the energetic radiation of newborn stars, reveals delicate filaments resembling strands of celestial spaghetti, hence its evocative name.
In this cosmic kitchen, the Spaghetti Nebula serves as a testament to the dynamic interplay between stars and the interstellar medium. The tendrils of ionized gas and dust, intricately detailed in this image, showcase the ongoing cosmic processes that shape and mold the stellar nurseries within our Milky Way.
SH2-240: the spaghetti nebula
Simeis 147, affectionately known as the "Spaghetti Nebula" or cataloged as Sharpless 2-240, unfold a mesmerizing spectacle. This expansive supernova remnant bears witness to the cataclysmic death throes of a massive star, which, in a bygone era, expelled its outer layers into the interstellar medium. Its ethereal strands of ionized gas and dust, intricately shaped by the forces of the explosion, weave a captivating narrative of cosmic destruction and rebirth.
Approximately 3,000 light-years from Earth, Simeis 147 spans a considerable region of the celestial canvas. Its moniker, the "Spaghetti Nebula," is a fitting tribute to the nebula's intricate filaments and wisps that dance across the vast expanse. This image reflects a harmonious blend of scientific exploration and artistic finesse, capturing the delicate intricacies of a celestial spectacle that bears the indelible mark of stellar evolution.