Color composite image of the Trapezium Cluster

Color composite image from near-infrared J, H and K-band images including two of three fields observed in this Gemini South/Flamingos-I survey of the edge of the Trapezium Cluster at the core of the Orion Nebula. This edge field was selected to avoid saturation of the core region due to the sensitivity/depth of these observations. Indicated on this image are the two bipolar nebulae (“blow-ups” right) discovered with this data. Also indicated (left of center) is a grouping of six stars that is representative of a tendency for both stars and brown dwarfs to form in small groups of between four to eight sources.

Flamingos-I was a visitor instrument built by the University of Florida.