| Emission nebula | |
|---|---|
| H II region | |
Sh 2-54 nebula surrounding the star cluster NGC 6604 | |
| Observation data: J2000 epoch | |
| Right ascension | 18h 17m 53s |
| Declination | −11° 40′ 58″ |
| Distance | 6,200 ly |
| Apparent dimensions (V) | 140 arcmins |
| Constellation | Serpens |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Radius | 126.25 ly |
| Designations | RCW 167, Gum 84/85, W35, LBN 72 |
Sh 2-54 is an extended bright nebula in the constellation of Serpens.
In its core there are many protostars and many infrared sources; some of these sources, like IRAS 18151−1208, are most probably very young high-mass stars. The older star population in this region has an average age of 4–5 million years, and its components are grouped in the open cluster NGC 6604.
Sh 2-54 belongs to an extended nebulosity that includes also the Eagle Nebula and the Omega Nebula. The young high-mass stars of this region constitute the Serpens OB1 and Serpens OB2 OB association.