Orion Nebula's Red "Fingers"

This detail section of the Orion Nebula reveals bright red "fingers" of gas racing outward at hundreds of kilometers per second, from an explosion that occurred 500 to 1000 years ago deep in the molecular cloud. Possibly caused originally by the collision of two young massive stars. The red emission traces molecular hydrogen gas shocked by the energy of the powerful blast. Near some “finger” tips, the glow shifts green from hot iron and even white where the gas is hottest, showcasing the immense energy unleashed. See the full short-wavelength infrared image of the Orion Nebula, that this section came from. Release Date: October 2, 2023