Cometary globule CG4 in the constellation Vela (the Sails)
The cometary globule CG 4 in the center of the image is one of a series of elongated, comet-like objects in the vast region of the Gum Nebula. The globules have a dense, dusty "head" and a "tail" pointing away from the Vela Supernova remnant in the center of the Gum Nebula. Currently, two possible explanations for the formation of these objects are being discussed. On the one hand, the supernova explosion may be responsible for the shape of the globules, on the other hand, radiation from hot, newly formed stars in the region.
The molecular cloud contains enough material for several stars and very likely active star formation is taking place inside.
| Date: | 24.-27.04.2022 |
| Optics: | Planewave CDK 12.5 with Televue 0.8x reducer |
| Aperture: | 318 mm |
| Focal Length: | 2030 mm |
| Camera: | Canon EOS 700Dac |
| Exposure: | 52 x 600 s |
| Location: | Chamaeleon Observatory, Onjala Lodge, Namibia |
| Processing: | Nebulosity, StarTools, Starnet++, Photoshop |
| Diameter: | 1.5 light years (head of the globule) |
| Distance: | 1,300 light years |
