description Sharpless 2-126 Overview
Sharpless 2-126, or Sh2-126, is a large, faint H II emission region in the constellation Lacerta, also called the Great Lacerta Nebula and the Star Funnel. It is part of a wider complex of gas and molecular clouds associated with the Lacerta OB1 stellar association. Ultraviolet radiation from the hot O-type star 10 Lacertae is the principal source of ionization identified for the nebula. Because its surface brightness is low, it is commonly studied or photographed with wide-field and narrowband astronomical equipment.
help Sharpless 2-126 FAQ
What is Sharpless 2-126?
Sharpless 2-126, also written Sh2-126, is a large and faint H II emission region in the constellation Lacerta. It is also known as the Great Lacerta Nebula and the Star Funnel.
What powers the emission in Sh2-126?
The region glows because ultraviolet radiation from nearby hot stars ionizes hydrogen gas. This produces the characteristic emission associated with an H II region.
What larger structure is Sharpless 2-126 part of?
Sh2-126 belongs to a wider complex of gas and molecular clouds linked with the Lacerta OB1 stellar association. It is therefore part of a larger star-forming environment rather than an isolated cloud.
Why is Sharpless 2-126 difficult to see?
The nebula is large but faint, so its light is spread over a broad area of sky. Observers generally need a dark sky and suitable imaging or filtration to bring out its weak emission.
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