description NGC 5462 Overview
NGC 5462 is a massive H II star-forming region located in the spiral galaxy M101 (the Pinwheel Galaxy), approximately 21 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Ursa Major. As an H II region, it consists of ionized hydrogen gas illuminated by hot, young stars that have recently formed within it. NGC 5462 ranks as the second-largest H II complex in the Pinwheel Galaxy, making it a significant site for astronomical study of star formation processes in other galaxies. The nebula was cataloged by astronomer William Herschel and appears as a bright knot in images of M101.
help NGC 5462 FAQ
Where is NGC 5462 located?
NGC 5462 is an H II star-forming region inside the spiral galaxy M101, also called the Pinwheel Galaxy. From Earth, it appears in the constellation Ursa Major.
How far away is NGC 5462?
NGC 5462 is approximately 21 million light-years from Earth. That distance places it far beyond the Milky Way, within the neighboring galaxy M101.
What type of object is NGC 5462?
It is a massive H II region, meaning a cloud of ionized hydrogen associated with active star formation. Hot, young stars illuminate the gas and make the region visible.
Is NGC 5462 part of the Milky Way?
No, NGC 5462 is located in M101, the Pinwheel Galaxy. M101 is a spiral galaxy in the direction of Ursa Major and lies roughly 21 million light-years away.
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