An amateur astronomer in the US has detected the emergence of a young star from the cocoon of gas and dust in which it was born.
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The new object was first spotted on 23 January by amateur astronomer Jay McNeil from his observatory at Paducah in Kentucky.
"The entire discovery was quite serendipitous in nature," he told BBC News Online.
Wicked cool! I'm always very proud to hear of amateurs making serious scientific contributions!
A nebula is a large cloud of gas and dust in outer space. They are often considered the "birthplace" of stars, as they provide the raw materials for new stars to form.
Amateur astronomers use specialized equipment, such as telescopes and cameras, to scan the night sky for faint objects. They also rely on their knowledge of astronomy and celestial objects to identify potential nebulae.
Once an amateur astronomer identifies a potential nebula, they will submit their findings to a professional astronomer for confirmation. The professional will use more powerful equipment and techniques to verify the existence of the new nebula.
Every new discovery in astronomy is significant, as it expands our understanding of the universe. This new nebula may have unique characteristics or provide insight into the formation of stars.
It is possible to see some nebulae with a small telescope, but the visibility of this new nebula will depend on its location in the sky and the size and quality of the telescope being used. It is best to consult with an experienced astronomer for specific viewing recommendations.