Large Magellanic
The giant red nebula (NGC 2014) and the smaller blue nearby nebula (NGC 2020) are part of an expansive region of new star formation called the Large Magellanic Cloud. This cloud is, in turn, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way, approximately 163,000 light-years away. The name “Cosmic Reef” was given by NASA because of how the nebulas resemble an undersea world.
Contrast
Illuminating the outer darkness of the Milky Way
both more than 5 times the size of the sun
exhibiting their searing energy and ultraviolet radiation
an energetic and colossal blue star stands big
another one red and bright
facing each other in the eye
representing the galaxy we live in as well as an undersea world
contrasting each other like water and fire.
Manav Saigal, RE ‘26
Insights
The stars shown in the image helped put a clearer picture in my mind of the trillions of stars that are out there unnoticed. It also allowed me to further understand and acknowledge the true size and impact some stars have in the Milky Way such as the two shown in “Cosmic Reef.”
| Fields the author associated with the art | Math, Physics |