Tarantula Nebula (NGC 2070)
Tarantula Nebula (NGC 2070) is an emission nebula in the constellation Dorado, magnitude 7.3, 40′ × 25′ across.
The brightest star-forming region in the Local Group, in the Large Magellanic Cloud about 160,000 light-years away; binoculars show it as a bright knot in the LMC, and telescopes its spidery loops.
When and where to see it
It is best placed in the evening sky around January, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in December). It can be seen from everywhere south of 21°N and never sets south of 21°S.
At its highest it stands below the horizon from 50°N, below the horizon from 35°N, 21° up from the equator, 56° up from 35°S.
Facts
- Type
- Emission nebula
- Constellation
- Dorado
- Designations
- NGC 2070, C 103, 30 Doradus Cluster, 30 Doradus
- Magnitude
- 7.3
- Apparent size
- 40′ × 25′
- Position
- RA 5h 38.7m, Dec −69° 6′ (J2000)
Open AstroPilot to see when Tarantula Nebula (NGC 2070) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.