Herbig

Definition

Herbig-Haro objects (HH objects) are small, bright patches of nebulosity associated with newly born stars. They form when jets of gas ejected by young stars collide with nearby gas and dust at high speeds.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Herbig-Haro objects are indicators of early stellar evolution and are often found in star-forming regions.
2. They were first discovered by George Herbig and Guillermo Haro in the 1950s.
3. HH objects can change significantly over short periods, making them useful for studying dynamic processes in star formation.
4. These objects are typically observed in visible wavelengths but can also emit radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum, including infrared.
5. The jets that create HH objects can extend for light-years from their parent stars.

Review Questions

• What causes the formation of Herbig-Haro objects?
• Who discovered Herbig-Haro objects and when?
• In what regions are Herbig-Haro objects typically found?

Related terms

Protostar: A young star still in the process of forming from a collapsing cloud of gas and dust.

Interstellar Medium: The matter that exists between stars within a galaxy, composed mainly of gas and dust.

T Tauri Star: A very young star still contracting towards the main sequence, often showing strong stellar winds and variable brightness.