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"The most important thing to remember is this: To be ready at any moment to give up what you are for what you might become." ~ W. E. B. Du Bois

Photo © 2012 Shavawn M. Berry/Imaginary Foundation

Sombrero Galaxy

The Sombrero Galaxy (also known as M104 or NGC 4594) resembles a Mexican sombrero due to its large central bulge and a prominent dust dust ring.

It was discovered in March 1767 by French astronomer Pierre Méchain and is at least 29 million light years away from the Earth!

More info about the Sombrero Galaxy:
Astronomy Magazine
Sombrero Galaxy Wikipedia Page

Bubble Nebula (NGC 7635)

The Bubble Nebula, designated as NGC 7635 (aka Sharpless 162, or Caldwell 11) is one of the most exquisite wonders of our galaxy.

It was discovered in 1787 by William Herschel.

The "bubble" is created by the stellar wind from a massive hot, 8.7 magnitude young central star, the 15 ± 5 M☉ SAO 20575 (BD+60 2522). The nebula is near a giant molecular cloud which contains the expansion of the bubble nebula while itself being excited by the hot central star, causing it to glow. The star SAO 20575 or BD+602522 is thought to have a mass of 10-40 Solar masses. (via Wikipedia)

Rosette Nebula

The Rosette Nebula (also known as Caldwell 49) is a complex nebula that lie at a distance of some 4,900-5,200 light years from Earth and contains many young stars. (via Wikipedia)

Horsehead Nebula

The Horsehead Nebula (also known as Barnard 33 in emission nebula IC 434) is a dark nebula in the constellation Orion and was first recorded in 1888.

It is approximately 1500 light years from Earth and one of the most identifiable nebulae because of the shape of its swirling cloud of dark dust and gases, which is similar to that of a horse's head when viewed from Earth. (via Wikipedia)

This is currently my desktop wallpaper.

Cat's Eye Nebula (NGC 6543)

Cat's Eye Nebula (NGC 6543), one of the most complex yet beautiful nebulae in the known universe.

It was discovered in 1786 and is about 3,300 light years away from Earth (1 light year = 10 trillion kilometers)

NASA Discover New Earth Like Planet - Kepler-22b

An artist's impression of the new planet Kepler-22b.
Illustration courtesy Caltech/NASA


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