A Witch by Starlight
Credit & Copyright:
Star Shadows
Remote Observatory
By starlight this eerie visage shines in the dark,
a crooked profile evoking its popular name, the
Witch Head Nebula.
In fact, this entrancing
telescopic
portrait gives the impression
the witch has fixed her gaze on Orion's bright supergiant
star Rigel.
Spanning over 50 light-years, the dusty cosmic cloud strongly
reflects nearby Rigel's blue light, giving it the characteristic color
of a reflection nebula.
Cataloged as IC 2118, the Witch Head Nebula
is about 1,000 light-years away.
Of course, you might see a witch this
scary tonight,
but don't panic.
Have a safe and
Happy Halloween!