Posted on Jan 5, 2026
APOD: 2026 January 5 – The Red Rectangle Nebula from Hubble
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Good morning, Rallypoint, and welcome to the January 5, 20206 edition of Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD). We go from the Einstein Cross to another geometrical mind-bender this morning: the Red Rectangle Nebula in the constellation Monoceros (The Unicorn). There are other nebulae that scientists believe are similar in structure (IC 4406 and MWC-922 are two of them) based on a proposed cone-shape surrounding the central star(s) and our observation vantage point from Earth.
Because we view the ejection cones edge-on, the boundary edges of the each cone seem to form an X, and the distinct rungs suggest the outflow in each occurs in fits and starts. The Red Rectangle Nebula lies about 2,300 light years away.
Because we view the ejection cones edge-on, the boundary edges of the each cone seem to form an X, and the distinct rungs suggest the outflow in each occurs in fits and starts. The Red Rectangle Nebula lies about 2,300 light years away.
APOD: 2026 January 5 – The Red Rectangle Nebula from Hubble
Posted from apod.nasa.gov
Space
Science
Photography
Astronomy
Posted 15 d ago
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First time seeing this structure! Isn't it amazing that just by shifting your vantage point, something takes on an entirely new look. If we see this from a different angle on the plane ...it would have a different shape. Kinda points out that how you look at something depends on your vantage point, You can change your view by just stepping to the side. LOL
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