Infrared emission from the southern H 2 region H2-3

The H 2 region H2-3 has been found to have a large infrared flux with a luminosity of 100,000 to 200,000 solar luminosity between 1.65 and 25 microns. Most of this flux comes from a single component with the diameter of 110 in; (2 pc). At 2.2 microns there is an unresolved source which is identified as the exciting star of the nebula; it can provide the required ionization and the total luminosity observed at infrared wavelengths. The 3- to 25- microns radiation is shown to be consistent with dust heated by L alpha radiation within the nebula, but much of the 40- to 350- microns radiation probably originates from outside the H 2 region.