The Cocoon Nebula
IC 5146 in Cygnus
is a gorgeous little 'tropical fish' which at once is an emission, reflection, and absorption nebula. Physically reminiscent of The Trifid Nebula, it is also a stellar nursery, estimated at a distance of 4,000 light-years from Earth. The rich swaths of chocolate-colored dust are part of Barnard 168, which trails well off to the right of this field.
LARGE
is a gorgeous little 'tropical fish' which at once is an emission, reflection, and absorption nebula. Physically reminiscent of The Trifid Nebula, it is also a stellar nursery, estimated at a distance of 4,000 light-years from Earth. The rich swaths of chocolate-colored dust are part of Barnard 168, which trails well off to the right of this field.
LARGE
