Mountains in the Mist
(Color)

About This Photograph

This is a close-up of the Pelican Nebula. Soaring high overhead on summer nights in the constellation of Cygnus, this area brims over with light from energized gas. Copious ultraviolet radiation from nearby young stars causes the gas to glow in characteristic colors. In front of this luminous backdrop, dense clouds of gas and dust are silhouetted, giving rise to the intriguing dark pillars and globules.

For a dramatic black & white version of the above photo, click here.

Click here for an exciting view of the same region in emission-line colors.

Publication Data for this Photograph