Celestial hemisphere:  Southern  ·  Constellation: Eridanus (Eri)  ·  Contains:  NGC 1909  ·  the Witch Head Nebula
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The Witch Head - IC 2118, Agnaldo
The Witch Head - IC 2118
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The Witch Head - IC 2118

Getting plate-solving status, please wait...
The Witch Head - IC 2118, Agnaldo
The Witch Head - IC 2118
Powered byPixInsight

The Witch Head - IC 2118

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Description

As the name suggests, this reflection nebula associated with the star Rigel resembles a familiar old crone from fairy tales.

Formally known as IC 2118 in the constellation Orion, the Witch Head Nebula primarily glows by light reflected from the star Rigel. The color of this nebula is caused not only by the blue color of its star, but also because dust grains reflect blue light more efficiently than red. This phenomenon is similar to what happens in Earth's atmosphere, where blue light is scattered more efficiently than other colors.

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The Witch Head - IC 2118, Agnaldo