Infrared cirrus

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Infrared galactic cirrus and other structures seen in infrared by NASA/IRAS in the constellation of Orion (right). Orion const IR visible.jpg
Infrared galactic cirrus and other structures seen in infrared by NASA/IRAS in the constellation of Orion (right).

Infrared cirrus or galactic cirrus are galactic filamentary structures seen in space over most of the sky that emit far-infrared light. The name is given because the structures are cloud-like in appearance. [1] These structures were first detected by the Infrared Astronomy Satellite at wavelengths of 60 and 100 micrometres.

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References

  1. Low, F. J.; et al. (March 1, 1984), "Infrared cirrus - New components of the extended infrared emission", Astrophysical Journal, Part 2, 278: L19−L22, Bibcode:1984ApJ...278L..19L, doi:10.1086/184213.