A cosmic sprite dances through fire in new space image
 

A cosmic sprite dances through fire in new space image
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An orange figure rises from a cosmic fire in a new image created using data collected by a telescope tasked with mapping the first light emitted in the universe.*

While the figure may look "sprite-like," according to the European Space Agency (ESA), it's actually a collection of dust filaments k**wn as the Polaris Flare.

The structure is about 10 light-years wide and 500 light-years from Earth.*

SEE ALSO: Here are 31 of the best space photographs of the year


Evidence shows that the Polaris Flare probably formed when shockwaves from exploding stars moved through a cloud of dust and gas between stars in the Milky Way, according to ESA, though there is likely ** star formation happening in the dust cloud these days. Read more...

More about Space Photos, Polaris, Science, Space, and Us Worldhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Mashable/~4/DThj19UMBh8