Archivo: Heic1323a -1243686232

Description: This Hubble image shows RS Puppis, a type of variable star known as a Cepheid variable. As variable stars go, Cepheids have comparatively long periods— RS Puppis, for example, varies in brightness by almost a factor of five every 40 or so days. RS Puppis is unusual; this variable star is shrouded by thick, dark clouds of dust enabling a phenomenon known as a light echo to be shown with stunning clarity. These Hubble observations show the ethereal object embedded in its dusty environment, set against a dark sky filled with background galaxies.
Title: Heic1323a -1243686232
Credit: from http://www.spacetelescope.org/images/heic1323a/ large http://www.spacetelescope.org/news/heic1323/
Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
Attribution Required?: No