Wide-field view: Gamma Cassiopeiae Star System with Nebulae IC 59 & IC 63

Wide-field view: Gamma Cassiopeiae Star System with Nebulae IC 59 & IC 63

The bright bluish star shown here is Gamma Cassiopeiae. It is currently evaporating two nearby clouds of gas—IC 59 and IC 63. The leading edges of these clouds glow strongly in the intense bath of radiation from this hot star. Hints of bluish light behind the front lines of these nebulae show a bit of scattered light. Astronomically speaking, these clouds do not have much more time and will soon be blown away into the interstellar medium.

This image was taken as part of Advanced Observing Program (AOP) program at Kitt Peak Visitor Center.

Credit: KPNO/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/Tom Bash and John Fox/Adam Block
Release Date: June 6, 2014

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