The Pelican Nebula

Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known. Carl Sagan

The Pelican Nebula

Interstellar dream…
Gestation…galactic spawn
Nebulous frenzy
Triumphant birth… illusion
Pelican of lying eyes.

Millions of years from now this nebula might no longer be known as the Pelican, as the balance and placement of stars and gas will leave something that appears completely different.

The astrophotographer Terry Maurice has kindly given his permission to share the brilliant photo of the Pelican Nebula that accompanies this posting.

For more images and commentary on this posting and to learn more about Terry, please click here:

Guelph starman ponders the great unknown via astrophotography – Guelph News

Below are a couple of links concerning the Pelican Nebula.

IC 5070 – The Pelican Nebula

Pelican Nebula – Wikipedia

“The Pelican Nebula is an emission nebula located near the bright star Deneb in the constellation Cygnus, the Swan. The Pelican is much studied because it has a particularly active mix of star formation and evolving gas clouds. The light from young energetic stars is slowly transforming cold gas to hot…”

What is a nebula? An emission nebula?

“A nebula is a giant cloud of dust and gas in space. Some nebulae… come from the gas and dust thrown out by the explosion of a dying star, such as a supernova. Other nebulae are regions where new stars are beginning to form.”

“Emission nebulae are glowing clouds of interstellar gas excited by hot, young stars within their folds.”

What Is a Nebula? | NASA Space Place – NASA Science for Kids

What is Tanka poetry?

Tanka poems follow a set of rules. They all have five lines, and each line follows a pattern: the first line has five syllables, the second line has seven syllables, the third line has five syllables, the fourth line has seven syllables, and the fifth line has seven syllables.

Additionally, the third line must transition from the descriptive and image-focused beginning lines (called kami-no-ku) into a reflective metaphor, simile, or personification for the closing lines (shimo-no-ku). The subject matter can vary, but many poets choose a subject that’s emotionally stirring or quietly profound.

Graceguts – Tanka and the Five W’s

Tanka Poetry Defined: 3 Examples of Tanka Poems – 2024 – MasterClass

Your friend,
Robert

Robert McBryde – robertmcbrydeauthor.com