 Infrared image: Low-res JPEG (23kb) High-res JPEG (168kb) High-res TIFF (2.5MB)
|
This dramatic infrared image sheds new light on the early stages of the formation of giant stars in our galaxy. This image reveals remarkable details in a nebula of gas and dust expelled from AFGL 2591. This expulsion is a common feature in the formation of stars similar in size to the Sun, but it is far less common in their massive counterparts. The resolution of this image is 0.4 arcseconds. |
 False-color image: Low-res JPEG (15kb) High-res JPEG (66kb) High-res TIFF (187kb)
|
This false-color image of AFGL 2591 shows some high-resolution details in the expanding outflow of gas and dust around the massive stars that are not fully visible in the color version of the image. |
 Black-and-white K-band image: Low-res JPEG (24kb) High-res JPEG (152kb) High-res TIFF (748kb)
|
This black-and-white, K-band image of AFGL 2591 shows some fainter lobe structure and a bow shock to the left of the massive star that is not readily apparentl in the color version. This part of the expanding nebula of gas and dust around AFGL 2591 is hidden from view by a dense and extensive disk (or torus) of material encircling the star. |
A dramatic infrared image released by the Gemini Observatory (see the press release) sheds new light on the early stages of the formation of giant stars in our galaxy. This image, taken by the Gemini North telescope on Mauna Kea, reveals remarkable details in a nebula of gas and dust expelled from AFGL 2591. AFGL 2591 is located within the Milky Way more than 3,000 light-years from Earth, in the constellation Cygnus. The resolution of these images is 0.4 arcseconds.
This striking image is part of a series of early images taken with the Gemini Near Infrared Imager (NIRI) instrument during its commissioning on the Gemini North telescope. Once fully operational later this year, NIRI will be the prime near-infrared instrument on Gemini North.
