“This visualization explores the Orion Nebula using both visible and infrared light. The sequence begins with a wide-field view of the sky showing the plane of our Milky Way Galaxy, then zooms down to the scale of the Orion Nebula. The visible light observation (from the Hubble Space Telescope) and the infrared light observation (from the Spitzer Space Telescope) are compared first in two-dimensional images, and then in three-dimensional models.
“As the camera flies into the star-forming region, the sequence cross-fades back and forth between the visible and infrared views. The glowing gaseous landscape has been illuminated and carved by the high energy radiation and strong stellar winds from the massive hot stars in the central cluster. The infrared observations generally show cooler temperature gas at a deeper layer of the nebula that extends well beyond the visible image. In addition, the infrared showcases many faint stars that shine primarily at longer wavelengths. The higher resolution visible observations show finer details including the wispy bow shocks and tadpole-shaped proplyds. In this manner, the movie illustrates the contrasting features uncovered by multi-wavelength astronomy.”
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While the imagery of this little video is beautiful, the issue I take with these little productions is that they are, simply, and nothing more, visualizations. Interpretations of some one individual(s) adept at keyboard manipulations and color schemes, utilizing a few objective facts, producing visual images for mass consumption in the promotion of space “science.” These visualizations are akin to making a sound, objective decision based on your feelings rather than facts.
Gerard, I apologize for not getting the html correct for the dictionary link to the definition of visualization. Maybe you can clean it up for me.
Swiffer applied to HTML floor, Sir!
Excellent, Gerard, thank you.
Wonders beyond wondering, more wondering still
Black holes feeding on star systems whole
Swallowing all against their centrifugal will
Death-dancing and densifying is the goal.
But there is that, neither energy nor matter –7
‘Tis Mind of Man which can all things make and all things shatter
And like wizard’s wand build from naught
Wonder worlds that in all times are sought.
So on we go, with all our might we gasp and grasp
Feverish, famished, fearless — we bite then eat the asp.
Curious, dissatisfied, driven, raging, we must explore
Astonishing universe periphery to core,
And fabulous Mind, so much more.
In the heart of God.
Crass comment warning.
crass (krăs)
adj. crass·er, crass·est
So crude and unrefined as to be lacking in discrimination and sensibility.
Reminds me of an old girlfriend with a yeast infection set to music.
Y’all were warned. G’night.