The Kleinmann Low Nebula
Explanation:
The most active part of the
Orion Nebular Cloud Complex
is an area known as the
Kleinmann-Low Nebula.
There, a cluster of young and forming stars
is embedded in a
molecular cloud filled with
dust.
In visible light, the dark dust blocks much of
Orion KL's light, but in the
infrared light of the
above photograph, the area seems literally to explode.
Hot
stellar winds flowing off massive young stars in
Orion KL region permeate and heat surrounding gas, causing
finger-like intrusions.
Near the center of Orion KL is
IRc2, a particularly active star estimated to have over
30 times the mass of
our Sun.
Radio telescopes have
recently detected unusual emission from water molecules -
maser radiation from the Kleinmann-Low Nebula.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
