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Nebulae

NGC 604: size, dimension and comparison

The adopted reference is about 1,500 light-years.

representative extent of the H II region ≈ 1 500 light-years

A light-year is a distance: how far light travels in one year. It is used for distances between stars.

An immense region of ionized hydrogen in the Triangulum Galaxy.

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NGC 604, interpreted illustration
Interpreted illustration · dimension stated in the fact sheet.

What does this number measure?

A vast region of ionised hydrogen in the Triangulum Galaxy. The dimension of around 1 500 light-years describes the region of luminous gas, whose diffuse boundaries depend on the depth and band of the observation. The illustration interprets the gas structure and colours.

Compare the stated dimensions

The comparison uses the number in each fact sheet: altitude, height, diameter, length or distance, depending on the reference. Two values in metres do not necessarily describe the same property.

Compare with Tarantula Nebula in the explorer →

Source and limitations

Proposed catalogue value, an order of magnitude not audited online in this session; an HTTPS source is provided for checking.

Interpretive illustration of the H II region NGC 604; gas shells, cavities and emission colours are interpreted, with a diffuse luminous boundary. Not valid as a photograph or an exact map.