description Sharpless 2-106 Overview
Sharpless 2-106 is a bipolar emission nebula located within the Cygnus constellation. It’s notable for its distinct twin lobes created by the energetic output of young star S106 IR. This nebula serves as an excellent example of stellar winds sculpting interstellar gas and dust, primarily observed by astronomers studying star formation and early stages of stellar evolution.
help Sharpless 2-106 FAQ
What kind of astronomical object is Sharpless 2-106?
Sharpless 2-106 is an emission nebula characterized by its distinct bipolar shape, making it look like an hourglass or a cosmic snow angel. It is classified as an H II region located in the northern constellation of Cygnus.
What creates the unique bipolar shape of Sharpless 2-106?
The nebula's dramatic shape is created by a massive, young stellar object designated as S106 IR. The central star's high-speed particles and radiation squeeze the surrounding gas into two opposing lobes of glowing plasma.
What telescope famously captured detailed images of Sharpless 2-106?
The Gemini North telescope, located atop Mauna Kea in Hawaii, captured incredibly detailed images of the nebula in 2010. These high-resolution images allowed astronomers to clearly see the complex gas and dust structures surrounding the central star.
Where is the Sharpless 2-106 catalog name derived from?
The "Sharpless" catalog was compiled by the American astronomer Stewart Sharpless in the 1950s. He cataloged over 300 H II regions across the Milky Way galaxy, giving this object its official designation.
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