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HH 46/47

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description HH 46/47 Overview

Herbig-Haro 46/47 is an astronomical object composed of glowing cosmic jets located in the constellation Vela. It is formed by gas ejected at high speeds from a newly formed binary protostar, creating visible shockwaves as the material collides with the surrounding interstellar medium. The system serves as a classic example of a Herbig-Haro object, allowing astronomers to study the dynamics of early star formation. Detailed observations of this structure have been captured by instruments such as the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes.

help HH 46/47 FAQ

What exactly is the astronomical object HH 46/47?

Herbig-Haro 46/47 is an astronomical object composed of glowing cosmic jets located in the constellation Vela. It is formed by gas ejected at incredibly high speeds from a newly formed binary protostar, creating visible shockwaves in space.

How do Herbig-Haro objects like HH 46/47 form?

These objects form when a young protostar ejects hot, ionized gas jets that collide with surrounding interstellar gas and dust. The resulting collision creates bright nebulosity and visible shockwaves that change over just a few years.

How far away is the HH 46/47 nebula from Earth?

The HH 46/47 system is located roughly 1,400 light-years away from Earth in the southern constellation of Vela. Because of its relative proximity, it is one of the most heavily studied stellar nurseries in astrophysics.

Have telescopes like Hubble or James Webb observed HH 46/47?

Yes, the HH 46/47 nebula has been extensively observed by the Hubble Space Telescope and, more recently, the James Webb Space Telescope. JWST's powerful infrared instruments have allowed scientists to peer through the dust and capture breathtaking new images of the binary protostar's jets.

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