![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Cocoon_Czerski_3000.jpg\"\/)
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\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExplanation: When does a nebula look like a comet? In this crowded starfield covering over two degrees within the high-flying constellation<\/a> of the Swan (Cygnus<\/a>), the eye is drawn to the Cocoon Nebula. A compact star forming region, the cosmic Cocoon<\/a> punctuates a nebula bright in emission<\/a> and reflection<\/a> on the lower right, with a long trail of interstellar dust clouds to the left, making the entire complex appear a bit like a comet<\/a>. Cataloged as IC 5146<\/a>, the central bright head of the nebula spans about 10 light years<\/a>, while the dark dust<\/a>y tail spans nearly 100 light years. Both are located about 2,500 light years away. A bright star near the colorful nebula’s center likely supplies power<\/a> and helps clear out<\/a> a cavity. The long dusty filaments of the tail, although dark in this visible light<\/a> image, hide stars<\/a> in the process of formation<\/a>. The featured image<\/a> was captured in July from Death Valley<\/a>, California<\/a>, USA<\/a>.<\/p>\n APOD’s main NASA site is moving<\/a>: From apod.nasa.gov<\/a> to science.nasa.gov\/apod<\/a><\/p>\n Tomorrow’s picture: triple eclipse\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \/Public Release. This material from the originating organization\/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here<\/a>.<\/p>\n