description Sh2-82 Overview
Sh2-82, commonly called the Little Cocoon Nebula, is a compact nebular complex in the constellation Sagitta. Cataloged in Stewart Sharpless's list of H II regions, it contains both reddish emission nebulosity from ionized hydrogen and bluish reflection nebulosity produced by scattered starlight. The complex is associated with the B-type star HD 231616 and is bordered by obscuring interstellar dust, making it a target for deep-sky imaging rather than unaided observation.
help Sh2-82 FAQ
Where is Sh2-82, the Little Cocoon Nebula?
Sh2-82 is in the constellation Sagitta, not Cygnus, and is often estimated at around 3,500 light-years away. It is a compact nebular complex containing both emission and reflection nebulosity.
Why does Sh2-82 look red and blue in photographs?
The reddish part is emission from ionized hydrogen in an H II region, while the bluish part is starlight scattered by dust. The color contrast shows two physical light processes in the same compact complex.
What star lights up Sh2-82?
Catalog descriptions identify the hot young star HD 231616, classified around B0.5 III, as the source ionizing the nebula. Its ultraviolet radiation helps produce the red emission glow.
Is Sh2-82 the same as the famous Cocoon Nebula?
No. Sh2-82 is nicknamed the Little Cocoon or Little Trifid Nebula in Sagitta, whereas the better-known Cocoon Nebula is IC 5146 in Cygnus.
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