IC 2118

In the following article we will talk about IC 2118, a topic that has aroused great interest in recent times. IC 2118 is a topic that has generated debate and discussion in today's society, since it has a significant impact on our daily lives. Throughout this article, different aspects related to IC 2118 will be explored, from its origins to its influence today. Different perspectives and opinions will be addressed, with the aim of offering a complete and objective vision of this topic. Additionally, recent studies and research will be analyzed to provide up-to-date and relevant information. With all this, the aim is to provide the reader with a deep and enriching understanding about IC 2118.

IC 2118
Reflection nebula
IC 2118
Observation data: J2000 epoch
Right ascension05h 02m 00.0s[citation needed]
Declination−07° 54′ 00″[citation needed]
Distance1,000[citation needed] ly
Apparent magnitude (V)13[citation needed]
Apparent dimensions (V)3 × 1°[citation needed]
ConstellationEridanus
DesignationsWitch Head Nebula, Cederblad 41, NGC 1909[citation needed]
See also: Lists of nebulae

IC 2118 (also known as Witch Head Nebula due to its shape) is an extremely faint reflection nebula believed to be an ancient supernova remnant or gas cloud illuminated by nearby supergiant star Rigel in the constellation of Orion. The nebula lies in the Eridanus Constellation,[1] about 900 light-years from Earth. The nature of the dust particles, reflecting blue light better than red, is a factor in giving the Witch Head its blue color. Radio observations show substantial carbon monoxide emission throughout parts of IC 2118, an indicator of the presence of molecular clouds and star formation in the nebula. In fact candidates for pre-main sequence stars and some classic T Tauri stars have been found deep within the nebula.[2]

The molecular clouds of IC 2118 are probably juxtaposed to the outer boundaries of the vast Orion-Eridanus bubble, a giant supershell of molecular hydrogen blown by the high mass stars of the Orion OB1 association. As the supershell expands into the interstellar medium, favorable circumstances for star formation occur. IC 2118 is located in one such area. The wind blown appearance and cometary shape of the bright reflection nebula is highly suggestive of a strong association with the high mass luminous stars of Orion OB1. The fact that the heads of the cometary clouds of IC2118 point northeast towards the association is strong support of that relationship.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Witch Head Nebula". NASA. Archived from the original on 2023-06-22.
  2. ^ Kun; Prusti, T.; Nikolić, S.; Johansson, L. E. B.; Walton, N. A. (2004). "The IC 2118 association: New T Tauri stars in high-latitude molecular clouds". Astronomy and Astrophysics. 418 (1): 89–98. arXiv:astro-ph/0402353. Bibcode:2004A&A...418...89K. doi:10.1051/0004-6361:20034510. S2CID 15970267.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to IC 2118.