IRAS 12196-6300
IRAS 12196-6300 is an emission line star located about 2,300 light years away towards the constellation Crux. Displayed on a spectrum, the star’s light displays as an array of colors marked by dark and bright lines. These lines follow characteristic patterns of atoms and molecules, and allow astronomers to determine the chemical composition of the star.
IRAS 12196-6300 is a very young star, much younger than our Sun. It has yet to begin burning hydrogen at its core, and is still surrounded by dust clouds likely remaining from its formation. Light from the star reflects off these clouds, creating beautiful reflection nebulae.
Image and information from ESA.













