Tarantula Nebula
The Tarantula Nebula is a diffuse nebula in the Large Magellanic Cloud.
Also known as NGC 2070, it was originally thought to be a star, subsequently named 30 Doradus. In 1751, Abbe Lacaille recognized its nebula nature.
The Tarantula Nebula has an apparent magnitude of 8. Considering its distance of about 160,000 light years, this is an extremely luminous object. In fact, it is the most active starburst region known in the Local Group of galaxies. At its core, an extremely compact cluster of hot stars produces most of the energy that makes the nebula visible.
