The Cone Nebula and the Chrismas Tree Cluster
Right Ascension | 06 : 41.1 (h:m) |
---|---|
Declination | +09 : 53 (deg:m) |
Distance | 2.4 (kly) |
Visual Brightnes | 3.9 (mag) |
Apparent Dimension | 20.0 (arc min) |
William Herschel discovered the cluster in 1784, the nebula in 1785.
The Chrismas Tree Cluster and the Cone Nebula were both discovered by William Herschel. He found the cluster on January 18, 1784 and cataloged it as H VIII.5, and the nebula on December 26, 1785, and assigned it the number H V.27. The nebula belongs to a much larger complex, which is currently an active star forming region.
Our image was obtained by David Malin with the Anglo-Australian Telescope. This image is copyrighted and may be used for private purpose only. For any other kind of use, including internet mirroring and storing on CD-ROM, please contact the Photo Permissions Department (photo at aaoepp.aao.gov.au) of the Anglo Australian Observatory.
The Hubble Space Telescope was used in 1997 to obtain images of forming stars in the Cone Nebula.
In the John Caldwell's observing list and the Astronomical League's Deep Sky Binocular Club list.
Last Modification: May 20, 2006