The infrared source associated with Sh 2-149

Abstract

Observations at optical and infrared wavelengths of the bright infrared point source in the direction of Sh 2-149 are used to determine a spectral type (M1) and luminosity class (Ib-II) for the object. These observations contradict the suggestion of Bergeat et al. (1975) that the object is a highly reddened O star. The estimated visual extinction (approximately 5-7 magnitudes) and luminosity class derived from the present observations are used to estimate the distance (about 1-3 kpc) to the infrared source.