Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2026 July 9
There is a dark cloud of gas and dust resembling a bat with outstretched wings in the middle of the image. Two spots appear to glow from within where there are young stars. A different more diffuse glow appears to outline just below the bat and extending outward from the bats head. The background is scattered with stars.

The Red Glow of the Cosmic Bat Nebula
Image Credit & Copyright: Humbert Cédric
Text: Keighley Rockcliffe (NASA GSFC, UMBC CSST, CRESST II)

Explanation: This Cosmic Bat wishes you a happy Summerween! This mid-year celebration of Halloween transcends hemispheres, even though summer in the Northern hemisphere is winter in the South. Contrary to its eery aura, the Cosmic Bat Nebula (LDN 43), not to be confused with the Bat Nebula (NGC 6995), is a vibrant birthplace for stars. A bit of young starlight peeks through the dense clouds of gas and dust that make up the Cosmic Bat’s 12 lightyear wingspan. The ultraviolet light from the young stars energizes the nebula’s hydrogen gas, causing it to glow an ominous red. The jet of glowing hydrogen gas emerging from the bat’s head hints at the star formation hidden within.

Tomorrow's picture: open space

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