A Shocking Outflow
Sig10 14

Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/2MASS/B. Whitney (SSI/University of Wisconsin)

Observation • July 28th, 2010 • sig10-014

sig10-014

This image shows an outflow of gas from a new star as it jets from a space object dubbed IRAS 21078+5211, among other designations. The reddish blob in its center, as picked up by Spitzer's 4.5 micron infrared band, contrasts nicely with the green PAHs that surround it. These telltale outflow features of young, hulking stars show up well even without the longer wavelengths available to the original GLIMPSE survey that ran during the "cold" segment of Spitzer's mission. These so-called shocked outflows ram into the hydrogen gas around them and make it glow - a bright beacon in the lonely outskirts of the Milky Way.

This image is a combination of data from Spitzer and the Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS). The Spitzer data was taken after Spitzer's liquid coolant ran dry in May 2009, marking the beginning of its "warm" mission. Light from Spitzer's remaining infrared channels at 3.6 and 4.5 microns has been represented in green and red, respectively. 2MASS 2.2 micron light is blue.

About the Object

Name
IRAS 21078+5211
Type
Nebula > Type > Star Formation
Star > Evolutionary Stage > Young Stellar Object
Star > Circumstellar Material > Outflow

Color Mapping

Band Wavelength Telescope
Infrared 2.2 µm 2MASS
Infrared 3.6 µm Spitzer IRAC
Infrared 4.5 µm Spitzer IRAC

Astrometrics

Position (J2000)
RA =21h 9m 21.8s
Dec = 52° 22' 31.1"
Field of View
18.0 x 18.0 arcminutes
Orientation
North is 47.3° left of vertical