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Canis Major

Seagull Nebula

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seagull nebula,ic 2177,emission nebula in monoceros

The Seagull Nebula (IC 2177) is a large region of nebulosity located approximately 3,650 light-years away in the constellation Monoceros (the Unicorn), on the border… Read More »Seagull Nebula

Winter Triangle

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winter triangle asterism,betelgeuse,procyon,sirius

The Winter Triangle, or the Great Southern Triangle, is an asterism formed by Betelgeuse, Procyon, and Sirius. The three bright stars form an equilateral triangle… Read More »Winter Triangle

VY Canis Majoris

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vy cma,largest stars,red hypergiant

VY Canis Majoris (VY CMa) is an exceptionally large, luminous red hypergiant star located in the constellation Canis Major.

With a radius about 1,420 times that of the Sun, corresponding to a diameter of 13.2 astronomical units, VY Canis Majoris is one of the largest known stars in the Milky Way. The star lies at an approximate distance of 3,840 light years from Earth and has an apparent magnitude that varies from 6.5 to 9.6. It is classified as a semiregular variable star and has an estimated period of 2,000 days.
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