Sh2 132: The Lion Nebula

Sh2-132: The Lion Nebula

Image Credit & Copyright:
Imran Badr;
Text: Natalia Lewandowska
(SUNY Oswego)

Explanation:
Is the Lion Nebula the real ruler of the
constellation Cepheus?

This powerful feline appearing
nebula is powered by two
massive stars, each with a mass over 20 times greater than
our Sun.

Formed from
shells of ionized gas that have expanded,
the nebula’s energetic matter not only
glows,
but is dense enough to contract
gravitationally and form stars.

The angular size of the
Lion Nebula, officially named
Sh2-132,
is slightly greater than that of the
full moon.

The gaseous
iconic region resides about 10,000
light years away in a
constellation named after the King of
Aethopia in
Greek mythology.