An optical and near-infrared exploration of the star formation region in Cygnus surrounding RNO 127

Abstract

We investigate a relatively unstudied star formation region in Cygnus centered on RNO 127, finding numerous Herbig-Haro flows, many identified in optical [SII], Hα, and near-infrared H 2 tracers of shock waves. Several protostars and young stars are thus located, including one conspicuously brightened object, which illuminates a variable reflection nebula. In total, the coordinates of 17 optical HH knots and jets, 4 associated cometary nebulae and 3 NIR objects are given. Individual structures are discussed including a central complex which has the characteristics of superposed HH flows. This star-forming cloud is not isolated but is part of a much larger region of distributed star formation, including HH 380 and HH 381.