Great Nebula in Orion

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This nebula is a large star-forming region. New stars are born from the interstellar molecular cloud as gravity causes the material to collapse and nuclear fusion to begin. Hot young stars then emit high energy radiation which makes the gas cloud glow. The nebula is 1500 light-years away and is 40 light-years across.

80 min. exposure, Hutech-modified Canon 20D, ISO800, 101mm refractor @f/5.4
Potawatomi Wildlife Park, Marshall County, Indiana