Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex

ρ Ophiuchi cloud complex
Dark nebula
Infrared James Webb Space Telescope image (east is down), contained within the IC 4603 region[1][2]
Observation data: J2000.0 epoch
Right ascension16h 28m 06s[3]
Declination–24° 32.5′[3]
Distance460 ly (140 pc)[4] ly
Apparent dimensions (V)4.5° × 6.5°[5]
ConstellationOphiuchus
DesignationsOphiuchus molecular cloud, Integral 691, XSS J16271-2423
See also: Lists of nebulae

The Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex is a complex of interstellar clouds with different nebulae, particularly a dark nebula which is centered 1° south of the star ρ Ophiuchi, which it among others extends to, of the constellation Ophiuchus. At an estimated distance of about 140 parsecs, or 460 light years, it is one of the closest star-forming regions to the Solar System.[1][6][7]

  1. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference JamesWebb_20230712 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ "Rho Ophiuchi (NIRCam Image)". Webb Space Telescope. Space Telescope Science Institute. 12 July 2023. Retrieved 14 July 2023.
  3. ^ a b "RHO OPH REGION -- Molecular Cloud". SIMBAD. Centre de Données astronomiques de Strasbourg. Retrieved 2009-10-24.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference aaa372 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference apj338 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference spitzer was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference NYT-20230712 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).