Astronomy Picture of the Day ·

Rigel and the Witch Head Nebula

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for January 24, 2022 is “Rigel and the Witch Head Nebula,” an image. The picture is copyrighted by its creator (Image Credit & Copyright: José Mtanous). The original explanation runs about 149 words.

The featured image shows the star Rigel and the nearby Witch Head Nebula, which is a reflection nebula illuminated by Rigel. Please see the explanation for more detailed information.
Credit: Image Credit & Copyright: José Mtanous Copyrighted Shown from science.nasa.gov. Not hosted by OpenOrbit.

From the explanation

“By starlight this eerie visage shines in the dark, a crooked profile evoking its popular name, the Witch Head Nebula . In fact, this entrancing telescopic portrait gives the impression that the witch has fixed her gaze on Orion’s bright supergiant star Rigel .”

— APOD editors, January 24, 2022

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date
January 24, 2022
Type
Image
Credit
Credit: Image Credit & Copyright: José Mtanous
Copyright
Copyrighted by the credited creator. Ask the copyright holder before reusing it.
Explanation length
About 149 words

All of January 2022 → · 2022 by month → · Full archive since 1995 →

Topics in this entry

OrionNebulae

Topics are matched from words in the title and explanation.

On this day: January 24 in other years

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Source

Copy taken Oct 28, 2026, 2:39 AM EDT. The image and explanation belong to their creators. OpenOrbit is not affiliated with or endorsed by NASA.