Detail of N44 in the Large Magellanic Cloud

This image of the spectacular N44 H II region in the LMC displays (very nearly) its central region, which is dominated by a large, ring-shaped nebula that includes a bright stellar association of very luminous stars. It emits X-rays - this is interpreted as a sign that several heavy stars in this area have exploded as supernova during the last few million years. N44 is a very bright, rich and well-studied complex in the LMC, somewhat apart from the other nebulae in this galaxy. The general appearance (in astronomical terminology: the "morphology") is well explained by a combination of fast outflow from stars (stellar winds) and supernova remnants, as well as sequential star formation.

Credit:

ESO

About the Image

Id:eso9931b
Type:Observation
Release date:22 June 1999
Related releases:eso9931
Size:2303 x 2381 px

About the Object

Name:N 44
Type:Local Universe : Nebula : Appearance : Emission : H II Region
Distance:170000 light years
Constellation:Dorado
Category:Nebulae

Image Formats

Large JPEG
4.2 MB
Screensize JPEG
801.2 KB

Wallpapers

1024x768
751.7 KB
1280x1024
1.2 MB
1600x1200
1.7 MB
1920x1200
2.0 MB
2048x1536
2.6 MB

Coordinates

Position (RA):5 22 7.92
Position (Dec):-67° 56' 13.62"
Field of view:9.69 x 10.02 arcminutes
Orientation:North is 0.3° right of vertical

Colours & filters

BandTelescope
Optical
B
MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope
WFI
Optical
V
MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope
WFI
Optical
H-alpha
MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope
WFI