IRAS 00500+6713

IRAS 00500+6713 is a protostar located in the constellation of Camelopardalis. It is a young stellar object (YSO) that is still in the process of formation. This star is notable for its strong infrared emissions, which were first detected by the Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) in 1983.

Discovery and Observation

IRAS 00500+6713 was first identified by the IRAS, a joint project of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Netherlands Institute for Space Research, and the United Kingdom's Science and Engineering Research Council. The satellite was designed to conduct a survey of the sky at infrared wavelengths, leading to the discovery of many previously unknown infrared sources, including IRAS 00500+6713.

Characteristics

As a protostar, IRAS 00500+6713 is in the earliest phase of stellar evolution. It is still gathering mass from its surrounding molecular cloud, a process that is observed through its strong infrared emissions. These emissions are a result of the heat generated by the gravitational energy of the material falling onto the star.

The exact mass and size of IRAS 00500+6713 are not known, as the star is still in the process of formation. However, it is believed to be a low-mass star, similar to the majority of stars in our Milky Way galaxy.

Significance

The study of protostars like IRAS 00500+6713 is crucial for understanding the process of star formation. By observing these young stellar objects, astronomers can gain insights into the physical processes that lead to the formation of stars and planetary systems.