HH 212
Very young Herbig-Haro object
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HH 212 is a Herbig–Haro object (HH) located roughly 1,400 light years from Earth in the constellation of Orion,[1] not far from the Horsehead nebula. The protostar, which is embedded deep into the center of HH 212 is very young, only being a few thousand years old (probably around ~7000 years old). It is emitting prominent jets which show remarkable symmetry. The high speeds of these jets also create bowshocks.[2][3]
Image of HH 212 using NIRCAM | |
| Object type | Herbig-Haro |
|---|---|
| Other designations | MHO 499, HH 212 |
Observation data (Epoch J2000) | |
| Constellation | Orion |
| 5 43 50.64 | |
| Declination | -1° 3' 11.46" |
| Distance | 1,400 ly |
| Estimated age | 7000 yr |
Notable features | Symmetrical jets |
Jets
The protostar (IRAS 05413–0104) is emitting large bipolar jets traveling at speeds of 170 kilometers per second. These jets show a remarkably symmetric appearance. There appear to be several symmetrical knots appearing on either side of the jet at relatively stable intervals, (roughly 0.01 parsecs) suggesting that it varies regularly over a short timescale of just 30 years.[2][4] The fast speeds of the jet rams into the interstellar medium creating two main bowshocks. They are located north and south of the jets symmetrically.