Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of
our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief
explanation written by a professional astronomer. 2002 June 9
Explanation: A photogenic group of nebulae can be found toward
Chamaeleon, a constellation visible predominantly in skies south
of the Earth's equator. Celestial objects visible there include
the blue reflection nebulas highlighted by thin dust surrounding
the bright stars in the above image center. Toward the top and
lower right, dark molecular clouds laced with thick dust block
light from stars in the background. The parent molecular cloud
Chamaeleon I is located about 450 light years from Earth.
Authors & editors: Jerry Bonnell (USRA) NASA Technical Rep.: Jay
Norris. Specific rights apply. A service of: LHEA at NASA/ GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.