Orion in Gas, Dust, and Stars.

Click to enlarge

Explanation: The constellation of Orion holds much more than three stars in a row. A deep exposure shows everything from dark nebula to star clusters, all embedded in an extended patch of gaseous wisps in the greater Orion Molecular Cloud Complex. The brightest three stars on the far left are indeed the famous three stars that make up the belt of Orion. Just below Alnitak, the lowest of the three belt stars, is the Flame Nebula, glowing with excited hydrogen gas and immersed in filaments of dark brown dust. Below the frame center and just to the right of Alnitak lies the Horsehead Nebula, a dark indentation of dense dust that has perhaps the most recognized nebular shapes on the sky. On the upper right lies M42, the Orion Nebula, an energetic caldron of tumultuous gas, visible to the unaided eye, that is giving birth to a new open cluster of stars. Immediately to the left of M42 is a prominent bluish reflection nebula sometimes called the Running Man that houses many bright blue stars. The above image, a digitally stitched composite taken over several nights, covers an area with objects that are roughly 1,500 light years away and spans about 75 light years.

SOURCE

Scale of Universe – Links

THIS and THIS is where my mundane comprehension fails. And, perhaps HERE too!

5th of February, 2012.

A week ago, I decided to dally into the past by taking up on the Harry Potter books. After months of comprehending pseudo-intellectual works that often hinted on philosophical and psychological impacts (Of Human Bondage by Somerset Maugham, Animal Farm by George Orwell and such); philandering with the Austen Classics (Mansfield Park, Sense and Sensibility), I finally took my leave from literary substance and decided to luxuriate in the much buoyant writings – namely J.K Rowling and Roald Dahl. It was like strolling into childhood. In a sense of urgency to read, I knuckled down to the Potter series.

It has been a mere seven days and I have already digested the first three books of the series in entirety. In the course I have been repeatedly reprimanded and threatened by my sister who is a true Potterhead; “One does not touch a Harry Potter book without respect!” And if this were the 1700’s, I am sure she would not have hesitated a moment to dismiss me to the gallows for the following confession: it took me ten solid years to realize that Harry Potter impressed upon a generation – my generation.

Later on, I plan to read the LOTR trilogy. Afterall, and without a doubt, it is the book of the century. But amidst all this magic, the Middle World will have to wait.

P.S I am already showing signs of pottermania.

Keeping the literature aside, tomorrow we face our bitter rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. If the planetary alignment (my natural rejoinder now a days largely owing to Stargazing and Potter) does justice by me, I shall be able to get a good kick out of the game whilst sipping on coffee and reclining comfortably against the headstand of my cozy, old bed. If the aforementioned event fails to happen, I shall assume the nature of a sore puss and continue cussing the Blues for not postponing the match. But for all fuck knows, they are already knee-deep surfing for a snowy excuse (pun much?) to delay the match. Mind you all it takes is a flick of flake with them. (Word-play FTW!) I know take a respectable leave from the rambling post.

Funniest Tweet of the Day!

via @SportsAbuse: Haven’t seen anyone draw at home as much as Liverpool since Leonardo da Vinci was under house arrest.

Quick Burp.

Tossed a plateful of macaroni in my mouth just now. Eating at this ungodly hour is nothing short of bliss. Ah Gluttony! You sweetest of all vices. Now that I recall, I once dreamt of taking the form of Sweet n Sour Chicken and devouring myself. Haha. 😀