Emission nebula | |
---|---|
H II region | |
Observation data: J2000 epoch | |
Right ascension | 18h 17m 53s [1] |
Declination | −11° 40′ 58″ [1] |
Distance | 6,200 [2] ly |
Apparent dimensions (V) | 140 arcmins [3] |
Constellation | Serpens |
Physical characteristics | |
Radius | 126.25 ly |
Designations | RCW 167, Gum 84/85, W35, LBN 72 [1] |
Sh2-54 is an extended bright nebula in the constellation of Serpens. [1]
In its core there are many protostars and many infrared sources; some of these sources, like IRAS 18151−1208, are most probably very young high-mass stars. [4] The older star population in this region has an average age of 4–5 million years, and its components are grouped in the open cluster NGC 6604. [2]
Sh2-54 belongs to an extended nebulosity that includes also the Eagle Nebula and the Omega Nebula. [5] The young high-mass stars of this region constitute the Serpens OB1 and Serpens OB2 OB association. [2]