A stunning astrophotograph of the California Nebula (NGC 1499), a large emission nebula in the constellation Perseus. The nebula's red glow is due to hydrogen atoms recombining with electrons, energized by the nearby star Xi Persei. Its shape resembles the state of California.

Astronomy Picture from 19/12/2023

NGC 1499: The California Nebula

Source: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap231219.html


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