In the star-forming region known as the Serpens Nebula, 1300 light-years from Earth, vast shadows created by the light from a young star passing through a ring of rock, debris, ice and dust creates a shape that evokes the symbol of Gotham’s famous crime-fighter.
This image was captured by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, and the star garnering all the interest is dubbed HBC 672.
Because of the shape, astronomers have nicknamed the effect the “Bat Shadow”. One stark difference, however, between it and the symbol thrown up to summon Bruce Wayne’s alter ego is size. This Bat Shadow spans approximately 200 times the length of our own solar system.
“This is an analogue of what the solar system looked like when it was only one or two million years old,” explains Klaus Pontoppidan from the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore, US. “For all we know, the solar system once created a shadow like this.”
Originally published by Cosmos as Holy astronomy! It’s the Bat Shadow!
Cosmos
Curated content from the editorial staff at Cosmos Magazine.
Read science facts, not fiction...
There’s never been a more important time to explain the facts, cherish evidence-based knowledge and to showcase the latest scientific, technological and engineering breakthroughs. Cosmos is published by The Royal Institution of Australia, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. Financial contributions, however big or small, help us provide access to trusted science information at a time when the world needs it most. Please support us by making a donation or purchasing a subscription today.
