The Hydrogen of Orion

About This Photograph

This is the same area shown in this photograph in only the light emitted by ionized hydrogen atoms. A special filter was used to isolate just one wavelength of light emitted by this universally abundant element. The Great Orion Nebula can been seen in the upper right, and the Horsehead and Flame Nebulas are just to the lower-left of center. Turbulent clouds of hydrogen writhe throughout the field, a testament to this star-forming region's dramatic – if only on an astronomical time scale – motion and activity.