Coalsack Nebula (C 99)
Coalsack Nebula (C 99) is a dark nebula in the constellation Crux, 7.0° × 5.0° across.
The most prominent dark nebula in the sky, a dust cloud about 600 light-years away that blots out the Milky Way beside the Southern Cross; best seen with the naked eye.
When and where to see it
It is best placed in the evening sky around May, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in April). It can be seen from everywhere south of 28°N and never sets south of 28°S.
At its highest it stands below the horizon from 50°N, below the horizon from 35°N, 28° up from the equator, 63° up from 35°S.
Facts
- Type
- Dark nebula
- Constellation
- Crux
- Designations
- C 99
- Apparent size
- 7.0° × 5.0°
- Position
- RA 12h 50.0m, Dec −62° 30′ (J2000)
Open AstroPilot to see when Coalsack Nebula (C 99) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.