NASA releases amazing new Hubble images

[PetrusMonsFormicarum]

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope is back in business, ready to uncover new worlds, peer ever deeper into space, and even map the invisible backbone of the universe.

The first snapshots from the refurbished Hubble showcase the 19-year-old telescope's new vision. Topping the list of exciting new views are colorful multi-wavelength pictures of far- flung galaxies, a densely packed star cluster, an eerie "pillar of creation," and a "butterfly" nebula.

With the release of these images, astronomers have declared Hubble a fully rejuvenated observatory. Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski, D-Md., unveiled the images at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 9, 2009.

See the rest of the downloadable images here

[Lydia Leftcoast]

1. Amazing!

Absolutely spectacular.

I was especially intrigued to learn that the stars in that one cluster are only 1/3 of a light-year apart.

[Swede]

2. Nice post.

[and-justice-for-all]

3. Those pics are unbelievable...nt

[pokerfan]

4. The Butterfly Nebula makes today's APOD

The Butterfly Nebula from Upgraded Hubble
Credit: NASA, ESA, and the Hubble SM4 ERO Team



Explanation: The bright clusters and nebulae of planet Earth's night sky are often named for flowers or insects, and NGC 6302 is no exception. With an estimated surface temperature of about 250,000 degrees C, the central star of this particular planetary nebula is exceptionally hot though -- shining brightly in ultraviolet light but hidden from direct view by a dense torus of dust. Above is a dramatically detailed close-up of the dying star's nebula recorded by the newly upgraded Hubble Space Telescope. Cutting across a bright cavity of ionized gas, the dust torus surrounding the central star is in the upper right corner of this view, nearly edge-on to the line-of-sight. Molecular hydrogen has recently been detected in this hot star's dusty cosmic shroud. NGC 6302 lies about 4,000 light-years away in the arachnologically correct constellation Scorpius.

[pokerfan]

5. If you want the larger version

It's http://tinyurl.com/m4xz56">here.

[GreenStormCloud]

7. I love APOD. I check it daily, every morning. N/T

[LynzM]

6. Beautiful!!

These are so amazing, thank you! :D

[joshcryer]

8. You guys might want to check out the news conference later (amazing discussion).

It has some of the most amazing, eloquent, and dare I say, spiritual commentary you'll see from *scientists*. I loved it (especially the astronomy lady at the end, she's a very cool lady!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUl5oMfjq0A