This Hubble Space Telescope image shows light from hot stars eating away the surfaces of the clouds in this region to reveal the pillars composed of denser material.
Processes at work in the nebula, including star formation, are described and special areas of star formation are highlighted.
This Hubble Space Telescope image shows light from hot stars eating away the surfaces of the dust and gas clouds in this region to reveal pillars composed of denser material. Includes information about this process, star formation, and the stars, dust, and gas in the nebula.
Teachers can use this lithograph as:
An engagement tool in an inquiry-based lesson. Have students study the image side of the lithograph. Ask them to write down any questions they have about the image. When the students are finished, their questions can be used in a variety of ways:
A content reading tool. Have students read the back of the lithograph and then write a quiz for the class.
A component in a compare/contrast activity. Compare the features/structure of this nebula to those of the Eskimo Nebula found in the related materials below. A T-chart or Venn diagram would be a good organizational tool to use for this activity. Examples and a solution are included in the "Related resources" section.
Lithograph: Eskimo Nebula
Graphic organizer: Comparison of the Eagle Nebula and the Eskimo Nebula
HubbleSite press release: “Embryonic Stars Emerge from Interstellar ‘Eggs’"
HubbleSite press release: "Hubble Reopens Its Eye on the Universe"
Amazing Space resources by topic: Stars and Stellar Evolution