NASA reveals Hubble image with speeds above 1000 km/s in massive protostar outflow

Telescópio Espacial Hubble has captured a new image of the pair of Herbig-Haro objects known as HH 80/81, located about 5,500 light-years from Terra in the constellation of Sagitário. The data indicates speeds exceeding 1,000 kilometers per second in parts of the gas jet, representing the fastest protostellar outflow recorded simultaneously in optical and radio waves. Nasa released the image on January 12, 2026, showing bright regions that result from collisions between ionized jets and interstellar clouds.

This record reinforces studies on the formation of massive stars. The central protostar ejects material at high speeds, generating shock waves that excite the ambient gas and produce a visible glow.

Herbig-Haro objects represent common phenomena in star birth regions. Observações like this allow us to map ejection and accretion dynamics in young protostars.

Characteristics of the HH 80/81 pair

HH 80/81 appears as two bright diagonal structures in the Hubble image. The larger portion, HH 80, has an elongated shape, while HH 81 is more compact, forming an asymmetrical pair.

These regions glow due to the ionization of gas by high-energy collisions. The associated outflow extends more than 32 light-years, making it the largest known of its kind.

Central protostar of the phenomenon

The source of the jets is the protostar IRAS 18162-2048, with a mass estimated to be around 20 times that of Sol. Essa forming star is still surrounded by dense material, but produces powerful ejections.

Studies indicate that massive protostars generate more energetic outflows. The location in a gas-rich region favors intense interactions with the surrounding environment.

Record speeds detected

Measurements from the Hubble data reveal maximum speeds above 1,000 km/s in portions of the flow. Esse value sets a record for outflows observed at multiple wavelengths.

Such speeds suggest efficient acceleration mechanisms close to the protostar. Magnetic Campos probably play a central role in this process.

Protostellar outflow extension

The jet associated with HH 80/81 exceeds 32 light-years in total length. Essa dimension classifies it as the largest protostellar outflow ever catalogued.

The extension reflects the power of the central protostar. Smaller Outflows are common in low-mass stars, but extreme cases like this are rare.

Context in the constellation of Sagitário

The Sagitário constellation concentrates several regions of active star formation. HH 80/81 is immersed in dense molecular clouds close to the galactic plane.

This position makes observations at optical wavelengths difficult due to dust. The Hubble overcomes these limitations with sensitive instruments.

Formation process of Herbig-Haro objects

Protostars launch bipolar jets to remove excess angular momentum. Esses jets collide with slower gas, creating visible shock waves.

In HH 80/81, collisions produce intense emission in specific lines. Análises spectroscopic images complement the images to determine chemical compositions.

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Comparisons with other similar objects

The HH 80/81 surpasses many well-known outflows in size and speed, such as the HH 34 or the HH 111. The combination of extension and energy makes it a unique case.

Radio observations reveal additional structures invisible in optics. Integração of multi-wave data provides complete view of the phenomenon.

Importance for stellar evolution models

Phenomena like HH 80/81 serve as laboratories for testing accretion theories. Eles show how massive stars disperse envelopes and influence clusters.

Stellar feedback regulates formation rates in dense regions. Estudos of this type contribute to the understanding of starburst galaxies.

Technical details of the observation

The composite image uses filters that isolate hydrogen emissions and other elements. Cores artificial highlights contrasts between regions of greater excitation.

Comparisons with previous records indicate subtle self-motion. Archived Dados allow you to track variations over decades.

• Distance from Terra: approximately 5,500 light years
• Outflow extension: more than 32 light years
• Maximum recorded speed: greater than 1,000 km/s
• Protostar mass: about 20 solar masses
• Location: Sagitário constellation

Contributions of Hubble to astrophysics

Telescópio Espacial Hubble maintains high-resolution capabilities after years in orbit. Instrumentos like the Wide Field Camera 3 capture fine details in distant objects.

Complementary missions, such as James Webb, expand infrared observations. Combinação of data improves star formation models.

Observational evolution of HH 80/81

The pair was initially identified in radio in the 1980s. Detailed optical Imagens depended on advances of Hubble over time.

Recent records show general stability in the structure. Subtle Mudanças reflect ongoing activity of the central protostar.

Implications for studies of extreme outflows

Energy outflows influence distribution of interstellar matter. Eles inject turbulence and chemically enrich the surrounding medium.

Integrated searches help predict evolution of star-forming regions. Casos like HH 80/81 provide benchmarks for numerical simulations.

The observation reinforces the role of jets in regulating stellar growth. Massive Protostrelas shape environments on galactic scales through powerful ejections.