“Herschel 36, the Heart of the Lagoon” by László Francsics

Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2015

6 August 2015 Astronomy Now

Situated some 5,000 light-years away, the stellar nursery of the Lagoon Nebula lies in the constellation of Sagittarius. Despite being so far away, the Lagoon Nebula is in fact one of the few star-forming nebulae that it is possible to see with the naked eye in optimum conditions from mid-northern and southern latitudes. Image credit: © László Francsics / Royal Museums Greenwich. (Click image for full-size version.)
Situated some 5,000 light-years away, the stellar nursery of the Lagoon Nebula lies in the constellation of Sagittarius. Despite being so far away, the Lagoon Nebula is in fact one of the few star-forming nebulae that it is possible to see with the naked eye under optimal conditions from mid-northern and southern latitudes. Image credit: © László Francsics / Royal Museums Greenwich. (Click image for full-size version.)
The Insight Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition is an annual celebration of the most beautiful and spectacular visions of the cosmos by astrophotographers worldwide. In 2015 the competition launched for its seventh year, with new categories and more prizes up for grabs. With over 2700 spectacular entries from over 60 countries, it’s been the toughest year yet for the judges.

Over the coming weeks we will feature, in no particular order, each of the final 16 selected images and winners will be announced by Royal Museums Greenwich on 17 September. The winning images are to be showcased at the Royal Observatory Greenwich in an exhibition opening 18 September.

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Hubble views the Little Gem Nebula

8 August 2015 Astronomy Now

This colourful bubble is a planetary nebula called NGC 6818, also known as the Little Gem Nebula, discovered by William Herschel in 1787. It is located in the constellation of Sagittarius, roughly 6,000 light-years away from us. The rich glow of the cloud is just over half a light-year across.