LBN 917 and LBN 906

LBN 917 and LBN 906 are two dark nebulae nestled in the constellation of Eridanus, a region known for its rich field of interstellar dust clouds and striking galaxies. These dark nebulae stand out as regions of dense gas and dust, absorbing and obscuring light from the stars and galaxies behind them. Located near the prominent Eridanus Supervoid and the Eridanus Cluster, this area is filled with a fascinating mix of interstellar clouds and galactic formations that contribute to the broader understanding of cosmic structures.

Unlike bright nebulae that emit or reflect light, dark nebulae like LBN 917 and LBN 906 appear as opaque silhouettes against the background star fields and other celestial objects, serving as star nurseries and fascinating subjects for studying the early stages of stellar formation.

The temperatures within LBN 917 and LBN 906 are extremely low, often only a few degrees above absolute zero. This cold environment slows down molecular motion, allowing gas and dust to coalesce under gravity and form the dense clumps required for star formation.

The constellation Eridanus is home to a wealth of galaxies, clusters, and cosmic structures that form a dynamic backdrop to LBN 917 and LBN 906. This region is especially interesting due to the presence of the Eridanus Group and the Eridanus Supervoid, each contributing unique insights into galaxy evolution and the distribution of matter in the universe.

The Eridanus Group, which includes dozens of galaxies, is one of the most prominent galaxy groups in the area and features both spiral and elliptical galaxies. Key members include NGC 1300, a barred spiral galaxy known for its well-defined spiral arms, and NGC 1232, a large spiral galaxy with intricate, blue-hued arms filled with young stars.

Within this group, several galaxies show signs of tidal interactions, where gravitational forces distort galaxies’ shapes and influence their structure. These interactions can enhance star formation in the outer regions of galaxies or cause the transfer of interstellar material between them.

The data for this image was collected on location at Hakos, Namibia.