Introduction

The familiar Orion Nebula is actually a cavity on the surface a molecular cloud, within which lies a large star formation region. In addition to the cluster(s) of young stars, the cloud also contains the by-products of star formation: stellar outflows--in particular, a striking molecular hydrogen outflow. This nebula, known for over a decade, has recently been seen to be composed of an array of scores of ``fingers'': linear streamers of molecular hydrogen gas, often with intricate internal structure. These are believed to be formed by knots of gas--ejected from a young stellar object embedded in the cloud--that impact the ambient medium, setting up bow shocks. Although such objects are often seen in regions of star formation, this extensive array of them forms an object that is, as far as we know, unique in the heavens.

© Copyright Astronomical Society of Australia 1997