IC 2118 (The Witch Head Nebula)

space · nebula · star formation · orion

Eerily named. IC 2118 is called the Witch Head Nebula because its shape in the sky looks like a creepy witch's head with a pointed hat.

Glowing blue light. The nebula shines blue because its dust particles bounce blue light toward us better than they bounce red light, similar to how Earth's sky looks blue.

Powered by Rigel. The nebula doesn't make its own light instead, it reflects light from Rigel, a nearby massive supergiant star in the constellation Orion.

Ancient and mysterious. Scientists believe IC 2118 might be the leftover remnant of an ancient supernova explosion, or perhaps just a giant cloud of gas floating through space.

Babies being born. Deep inside the nebula, radio telescopes have found evidence of brand-new stars forming right now, including young T Tauri stars that are just beginning their lives.