Cocoon Nebula (IC 5146)
Cocoon Nebula (IC 5146) is a cluster + nebula in the constellation Cygnus, magnitude 7.2, 12′ across.
A faint glow around a 10th-magnitude star at the end of the long dark nebula Barnard 168; dark skies and an H-beta or UHC filter help.
When and where to see it
It is best placed in the evening sky around September, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in August). It can be seen from everywhere north of 43°S and never sets north of 43°N.
At its highest it stands 87° up from 50°N, 78° up from 35°N, 43° up from the equator, 8° up from 35°S.
Facts
- Type
- Cluster + nebula
- Constellation
- Cygnus
- Designations
- IC 5146, C 19
- Magnitude
- 7.2
- Apparent size
- 12′
- Position
- RA 21h 53.5m, Dec +47° 16′ (J2000)
Open AstroPilot to see when Cocoon Nebula (IC 5146) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.