IC 4955

These two nebulae, IC 4954 and IC 4955, are part of a much larger complex of newly formed stars. This much larger cluster is called Roslund 4 and astronomers estimate that the stars found here are 4 million years old. The very sharp boundary (shock front) between some of these stars and the molecular cloud serves as a chronometer for the cluster. It is unlikely that a structure like this, caused by the outflow of these energetic young stars, would persist for timescales longer than 6 million years. It is estimated that this star forming region is 6,000-8,000 light years away.

This image was taken as part of Advanced Observing Program (AOP) program at Kitt Peak Visitor Center during 2014.