Key Takeaways
1. Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3 captured a view of Herbig-Haro objects HH 80/81, located 5,500 light-years away in Sagittarius.
2. HH 80/81 are the brightest Herbig-Haro objects discovered, formed by jets of gas from a new star colliding with slower gas.
3. The jets of HH 80/81 span an impressive 32 light-years, making them the largest protostellar jets observed.
4. These jets are powered by a young massive star, IRAS 18162-2048, which is about 20 times the mass of the Sun.
5. Sections of the jets are moving at speeds over 1,000 kilometers per second, setting a record for the fastest outflow from a young star.
Using Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3, astronomers could investigate a remarkable view from 5,500 light-years away, situated in the constellation Sagittarius. The captured image reveals bright pink and green areas arranged diagonally. These areas are two Herbig-Haro (HH) objects named HH 80/81. The patch on the upper left belongs to HH 81, while the lower streak is associated with HH 80.
Brightest Known HH Objects
HH 80/81 are recognized as the brightest Herbig-Haro objects ever discovered. Like other HH objects, they are created when fast jets of gas released from a new star collide with slower gas expelled earlier. This collision results in shock waves that heat the gas, making it shine.
Record-Breaking Jets
The length of HH 80/81 is an astounding 32 light-years, making them the largest protostellar jets witnessed so far. Uniquely, these jets are powered by a young massive star, unlike other observed HH objects that are driven by young low-mass stars. The young star fueling HH 80/81 is IRAS 18162-2048, which has a mass about 20 times that of the Sun.
Incredible Speed Measurements
Moreover, the speed of sections within HH 80/81 has set a new record. Astronomers found that parts of the jets are moving at speeds exceeding 1,000 kilometers per second. This is the fastest outflow recorded in both radio and visual wavelengths from a young star.
Source:
Link