APOD: 2020 May 23 - Ghost Fungus to Magellanic Cloud

Good morning, Rallypoint. Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) is titled "Ghost Fungus to Magellanic Cloud." We stay south of the equator today with this composite photo taken in the Wannon Falls Reserve, South West Victoria, Australia. The ghost fungus is a white-to-cream colored mushroom that contains a light-emitting substance called luciferin (lucifer meaning light-bringing). In the presence of oxygen, luciferin is oxidized by an enzyme called luciferase. As a result of this chemical reaction, energy is released as a greenish light. The other glow you see above the tree line is the Large Magellanic Cloud. A couple of satellite traces are visible through the trees to the left.