Lambda Centauri Nebula (IC 2944)
Lambda Centauri Nebula (IC 2944) is a cluster + nebula in the constellation Centaurus, magnitude 4.5 (blue), 1.3° across.
A young star cluster and emission nebula near Lambda Centauri, known for the small dark Thackeray's globules seen against it in photographs.
When and where to see it
It is best placed in the evening sky around April, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in March). It can be seen from everywhere south of 27°N and never sets south of 27°S.
At its highest it stands below the horizon from 50°N, below the horizon from 35°N, 27° up from the equator, 62° up from 35°S.
Facts
- Type
- Cluster + nebula
- Constellation
- Centaurus
- Designations
- IC 2944, C 100, Running Chicken Nebula
- Magnitude
- 4.5 (blue)
- Apparent size
- 1.3°
- Position
- RA 11h 35.8m, Dec −63° 1′ (J2000)
Open AstroPilot to see when Lambda Centauri Nebula (IC 2944) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.