An artistic interpretation of NASA's image of the Running Chicken Nebula, also known as IC 2944, reveals a stellar nursery in the constellation Centaurus. This breathtaking region is where stars are born, emerging from collapsing clouds of gas and dust. A reminder that we are also made up of stardust, bringing life to our planet as we evolve.

VISIONARY SKY Acrylic on Canvas 12 x 12 x 1.5 in (30.5 x 30.5 x 1.8 cm) $500.00

NASA/ESO Hubble Space Telescope

This object is a bright emission nebula and open cluster located in the constellation Centaurus, about 6,000 to 6,500 light-years away from Earth.

Centaurus is one of the 48 constellations first identified by the second century Greek astronomer Ptolemy. It represents a centaur, a half man half horse creature from Greek mythology. It is an old constellation that dates back to the ancient Babylonians. They knew it as the Bison-man. It was depicted as a four-legged bison with the head of a man. The ancient Greeks identified it as a centaur, but it is not clear exactly which centaur it represents. It may represent Chiron who was accidentally wounded by Hercules. After his death, Hercules honored him by giving him a place in the stars. Under a dark sky, the outline of the constellation does indeed resemble a centaur. It is usually depicted as a centaur sacrificing an animal which is represented by the constellation Lupus, the wolf.

Galatic Location: Centaurus Constellation

Celestial Phenomenon: IC 2944

Collection: 88 Constellations

STELLAR NURSERY