HH 212

HH 212

Image of HH 212 using NIRCAM
Object type	Herbig-Haro
Other designations	MHO 499, HH 212
Observation data (Epoch J2000)
Constellation	Orion
Right ascension	5 43 50.64
Declination	-1° 3' 11.46"
Distance	1,400 ly
Estimated age	7000 yr
Notable features	Symmetrical jets

HH 212 is a Herbig–Haro object (HH) located roughly 1,400 light years from Earth in the constellation of Orion^[1], not far from the Horsehead nebula. The protostar, which is embedded deep into the center of HH 212 is very young, only being a few thousand years old (probably around ~7000 years old). It is emitting prominent jets which show remarkable symmetry. The high speeds of these jets also create bowshocks.^[2][3]

The protostar (IRAS 05413–0104) is emitting large bipolar jets traveling at speeds of 170 kilometers per second. These jets show a remarkably symmetric appearance. There appear to be several symmetrical knots appearing on either side of the jet at relatively stable intervals, (roughly 0.01 parsecs) suggesting that it varies regularly over a short timescale of just 30 years.^[2][4] The fast speeds of the jet rams into the interstellar medium creating two main bowshocks. They are located north and south of the jets symmetrically.