What it is: An emission nebula, or star-forming region, named Sharpless 2-106 Where it is: 2,000 light-years away, in the constellation Cygnus When it was shared: December 2011 Why it's so special ...

The bipolar star-forming region, called Sharpless 2-106, looks like a soaring, celestial snow angel. The outstretched “wings” of the nebula record the contrasting imprint of heat and motion ...