The constellation Ophiuchus, showing the Rho Ophiuchi star formation region

This chart shows the location of the Rho Ophiuchi star formation region in the constellation of Ophiuchus (The Serpent Bearer). The star Rho Ophiuchi, which gives the region its name, is marked with the Greek letter rho (ρ). Astronomers using the APEX telescope to observe this region discovered hydrogen peroxide molecules in interstellar space for the first time, in the area marked with the red circle. Although the star Rho Ophiuchi is visible with the unaided eye, the clouds of gas and dust show up best in photographs.

Credit:

ESO, IAU and Sky & Telescope

About the Image

Id:eso1123c
Type:Chart
Release date:6 July 2011, 12:00
Related releases:eso1123
Size:3338 x 4192 px

About the Object

Name:Ophiuchus, Rho Ophiuchi
Type:Milky Way : Sky Phenomenon : Night Sky : Constellation
Milky Way : Nebula : Type : Star Formation
Distance:400 light years
Category:Illustrations

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