Extreme star cluster bursts into life in new Hubble image

An annotated version of the above Hubble image. The enormous cavity blown out by the young stars in the massive star cluster in NGC 3603's centre can be seen to the right of the cluster. Of particular interest is the lower left of the image. This is darker due to a mix of extinction of starlight and interstellar reddening caused by foreground dust clouds. Giant pillars of gas can also be seen extending away from the central cluster whilst the striking Bok Globules reside, silhouetted against the nebula, at the top right of the image.

Credit:

NASA, ESA and the Hubble Heritage (STScI/AURA)-ESA/Hubble Collaboration

About the Image

Id:heic0715b
Type:Collage
Release date:2 October 2007, 15:00
Related releases:heic0715
Size:3500 x 3517 px

About the Object

Name:NGC 3603
Type:Milky Way : Star : Grouping : Cluster : Open
Distance:20000 light years
Category:Star Clusters

Image Formats

r.titleLarge JPEG
5.8 MB
r.titleScreensize JPEG
479.1 KB

Colours & filters

BandWavelengthTelescope
Optical
B
435 nm Hubble Space Telescope
ACS
Optical
V
555 nm Hubble Space Telescope
ACS
Infrared
I
850 nm Hubble Space Telescope
ACS

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