description N90 Overview
N90 is an H II region and star-forming nebula located within the Small Magellanic Cloud, a dwarf galaxy near the Milky Way. It surrounds the young open cluster NGC 602, which is actively shaping the surrounding interstellar medium. Radiation and stellar winds from the cluster's hot young stars have eroded the surrounding gas, carving out ridges and triggering secondary star formation. N90 serves as a valuable subject for astronomers studying star formation in environments with different metallicities than the Milky Way.
help N90 FAQ
Where is the N90 nebula located?
N90 is located in the Small Magellanic Cloud, a dwarf galaxy that orbits the Milky Way. Because it is outside our own galaxy, it offers astronomers a unique look at star formation in a different galactic environment.
What is the connection between N90 and NGC 602?
N90 is the large star-forming region that surrounds the young star cluster NGC 602. The radiation and stellar winds from the young, hot stars inside NGC 602 are actively sculpting the dusty ridges of the N90 nebula.
Why is the N90 nebula important to astronomers?
The region is vital for studying how star formation occurs in environments with very low metallicity, meaning the gas lacks heavy elements. It provides a window into what the early universe might have looked like when the first generations of stars were forming.
Can you see the N90 nebula with a backyard telescope?
No, because N90 is located in the Small Magellanic Cloud, it is far too faint to be seen with a standard amateur telescope. High-resolution images of its dramatic ridges and new stars have been famously captured by the Hubble Space Telescope.
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