description RCW 38 Overview
RCW 38 is a young, deeply embedded H II region and stellar cluster in the constellation Vela. Dense clouds of gas and dust surround the region, obscuring much of its activity at visible wavelengths while allowing infrared observations to reveal its young stars. It is studied as a nearby example of concentrated star formation and of the early development of a massive stellar population.
help RCW 38 FAQ
What is RCW 38?
RCW 38 is a young, deeply embedded H II region and stellar cluster in the constellation Vela. It contains young stars surrounded by dense clouds of gas and dust.
Why is RCW 38 difficult to see in visible light?
Dense gas and dust obscure much of RCW 38's activity at visible wavelengths. Infrared observations can pass through more of that material and reveal its young stars.
What does H II region mean in RCW 38?
An H II region is a cloud of ionized hydrogen associated with young, energetic stars. RCW 38 is studied as both an H II region and a young stellar cluster.
Why do astronomers study RCW 38 in infrared?
Infrared observations reveal young stars hidden by the surrounding dust and gas. This makes infrared data useful for studying star formation inside RCW 38.
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