Credits: Jamie Bell, Evesham

Located 7200 light years away, the Wizard nebula, surrounds developing open star cluster NGC 7380. Visually, the interplay of stars, gas, and dust has created a shape that appears to some like a fictional medieval sorcerer. The active star forming region spans about 100 light years, making it appear larger than the angular extent of the Moon.

Facts about NG7380 by Keith Turnecliff

Although the nebula may last only a few million years, some of the stars being formed may outlive our Sun.

This star chart represents a view from Long Itchington for late October at 10pm.
Credits: Image courtesy of Starry Night Pro Plus 8, researched and implemented by Keith Turnecliff.