Sh 2-54 Explained

Sh 2-54
Credit:	ESO
Type:	H II region
Epoch:	J2000
Dist Ly:	6,200
Size V:	140 arcmins^[1]
Constellation:	Serpens
Radius Ly:	126.25
Names:	RCW 167, Gum 84/85, W35, LBN 72

Sh 2-54 is an extended bright nebula in the constellation of Serpens.^[2]

In its core there are many protostars and many infrared sources; some of these sources, like IRAS 18151−1208, are most probably very young high-mass stars.^[3] The older star population in this region has an average age of 4–5 million years, and its components are grouped in the open cluster NGC 6604.^[4]

Sh 2-54 belongs to an extended nebulosity that includes also the Eagle Nebula and the Omega Nebula.^[5] The young high-mass stars of this region constitute the Serpens OB1 and Serpens OB2 OB association.^[4]

See also

• H II region

External links

• Sky-Map.org – Sharpless Catalogue (from 51 to 60)
• Star Formation Region Avedisova 277 – Galaxy Map

Notes and References

1. Sharpless, Stewart. A Catalogue of H II Regions. Astrophysical Journal Supplement. 4. 257. December 1959. 10.1086/190049. 1959ApJS....4..257S.
2. SH 2-54 . 2011-06-05.
3. Davis, C. J.. Varricatt, W. P.. Todd, S. P.. Ramsay Howat, S. K.. Collimated molecular jets from high-mass young stars: IRAS 18151-1208. 425. 981–995. October 2004. 10.1051/0004-6361:20041298. 2004A&A...425..981D. Astronomy and Astrophysics. 3. free.
4. Reipurth, B.. The Young Cluster NGC 6604 and the Serpens OB2 Association. Handbook of Star Forming Regions, Volume II: The Southern Sky. 5. 590. December 2008. 2008hsf2.book..590R.
5. 4. Sofue, Y.. Handa, T.. Fuerst, E.. Reich, W.. Reich, P.. Giant stellar-wind shell associated with the H II region M16. Publications of the Astronomical Society of Japan. 38. 347–360. 1986. 1986PASJ...38..347S.