We present near-infrared images of the star-forming region AFGL 5157 in the JHK broadband filters and H_2_v=1-0S(1) narrowband filter. The images reveal a dense cluster of stars and infrared nebulosities associated with previously known infrared sources. Of 54 near-infrared sources detected in the nebula, NGC 1985, 12 exhibit infrared excesses typical of T Tauri stars, Herbig Ae/Be stars, and protostars. The magnitude and color distribution of the cluster of stars in the nebula are found to be different from those outside the nebular region. The K'-magnitude distribution of the cluster is quite flat, while the noncluster is peaked toward the low magnitude. The [H-K'] color of the cluster also displays 0.3 mag redder than that of the noncluster. The infrared nebula displays a bright nucleus with two spirals extended to the north and south. In light of the color properties of the nebula, we propose a shell model for the nebular structure that could be formed by star-forming activity of the central cluster.

Cone search capability for table J/AJ/117/446/table1 (Near-infrared photometry of AFGL 5157)

Cone search capability for table J/AJ/117/446/table2 (Positions and flux measurements of H_2_ emission in AFGL 5157)