Check out this Hubble image of V838 Monocerotis, a red supergiant start 20,000 light years away. Two years ago the start gave off a flashbulb-like pulse of light. As this "light echo" travels outwards it illuminates layers of interstellar gaz and dust that would otherwise be unobservable. Amazing.
http://www.hubblesite.org/newscenter/newsdesk/archive/releases/2004/10/image/a
Posted by Jonathan at July 19, 2004 8:14 AMCheck out this Hubble image of V838 Monocerotis, a red supergiant start 20,000 light years away. Two years ago the start gave off a flashbulb-like pulse of light. As this "light echo" travels outwards it illuminates layers of interstellar gas and dust that would otherwise be unobservable. Amazing.
http://www.hubblesite.org/newscenter/newsdesk/archive/releases/2004/10/image/a
Posted by Jonathan at July 19, 2004 8:15 AM