                        Astronomy Picture of the Day

    Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our
      fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation
                    written by a professional astronomer.

                                 2026 July 9
         There is a dark cloud of gas and dust resembling a bat with
   outstretched wings in the middle of the image. Two spots appear to glow
   from within where there are young stars. A different more diffuse glow
    appears to outline just below the bat and extending outward from the
             bats head. The background is scattered with stars.

                    The Red Glow of the Cosmic Bat Nebula
                  Image Credit & Copyright: Humbert Cédric
         Text: Keighley Rockcliffe (NASA GSFC, UMBC CSST, CRESST II)

   Explanation: This Cosmic Bat wishes you a happy Summerween! This
   mid-year celebration of Halloween transcends hemispheres, even though
   summer in the Northern hemisphere is winter in the South. Contrary to
   its eery aura, the Cosmic Bat Nebula (LDN 43), not to be confused with
   the Bat Nebula (NGC 6995), is a vibrant birthplace for stars. A bit of
   young starlight peeks through the dense clouds of gas and dust that
   make up the Cosmic Bat’s 12 lightyear wingspan. The ultraviolet light
   from the young stars energizes the nebula’s hydrogen gas, causing it to
   glow an ominous red. The jet of glowing hydrogen gas emerging from the
   bat’s head hints at the star formation hidden within.

                       Tomorrow's picture: open space
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       Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP)
            NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply.
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                           NASA Science Activation
                             & Michigan Tech. U.

