description LDN 1251 Overview
LDN 1251 is a dark nebula located in the constellation Cepheus, cataloged by astronomer Beverly Lynds in her 1962 compilation of dark nebulae. It is a dense molecular cloud composed of cosmic dust and gas that absorbs and scatters the light from background stars, making it appear as a comet-shaped silhouette against the sky. The cloud is a recognized site of active star formation, containing young stellar objects and embedded protostars that are hidden from visible light observation. It is primarily of interest to astrophysicists studying the early stages of stellar evolution.
help LDN 1251 FAQ
What is LDN 1251?
LDN 1251 is a dark nebula, meaning a dense cloud of gas and dust that blocks light from stars behind it. It is located in the constellation Cepheus.
Who cataloged LDN 1251?
Astronomer Beverly T. Lynds included it in her 1962 catalog of dark nebulae. The LDN designation comes from the Lynds Dark Nebula catalog.
Why does LDN 1251 look dark?
Cosmic dust in the cloud absorbs and scatters visible light from background stars. In longer-wavelength infrared observations, astronomers can study the cloud's material more directly.
Is LDN 1251 a star or a nebula?
It is a nebula, specifically a dark molecular cloud, not a single star. Such clouds contain cold gas and dust and can be associated with the early stages of star formation.
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