Star Forming Region RCW38
Explanation:
Star cluster RCW38 was hiding. This
open cluster of stars
is located about 5000 light years away
towards the constellation of
Vela.
Looking there will not normally reveal most of the
stars in this cluster, though. The reason is that the
open cluster is so
young that it is still shrouded in thick
dust that absorbs visible light.
This dust typically accompanies the
gas that condenses to form
young stars.
When viewed in
infrared light, however, the star cluster in
RCW38
is revealed, because dust is less effective at
absorbing infrared light.
The
above photograph was one of the first
ever taken with the new
Infrared Spectrometer and Array Camera (ISAAC)
affixed to the
8.2-meter Very Large Telescope.
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.
