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An image of the constellation Serpens taken by the European Southern Observatory was released on Wednesday.Image courtesy of the European Southern Observatory
January 4 (United Press International) — The European Southern Observatory said Wednesday that its telescope in Chile has produced the sharpest image yet of the constellation Serpens.
A constellation named by ancient Greek astronomers for its resemblance to a snake, and many others Astronomical objects invisible to the naked eye, ESO researchers say. The official name of this constellation is the Sh2-54 Nebula, and it was cataloged along with 300 other constellations by American astronomer Stewart Sharpless in the 1950s.
The new details were captured by the Visible and Infrared Sky Survey Telescope (VISTA) at the Paranal Observatory in Chile.
“Nebulae are huge clouds of gas and dust where stars are born,” ESO said in a statement. “Telescopes allow astronomers to identify and analyze these rather faint objects in great detail.
“Just as the nebula’s namesake snake evolved the ability to sense infrared light to better understand its environment, so we have developed infrared instruments to learn more about the universe.”
The researchers say the use of infrared light allows them to see through the thick dust layer almost unhindered. New images reveal stars long hidden from humanity in a veil of dust.
“This is particularly useful because it allows scientists to study in greater detail what happens in stellar nurseries and thus learn more about how stars form,” ESO said. Repeatedly observed most of the Milky Way, providing key data for understanding stellar evolution.”
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