Box Nebula (NGC 6309)
Box Nebula (NGC 6309) is a planetary nebula in the constellation Ophiuchus, magnitude 11.5, 16″ across.
An 11.5-magnitude planetary nebula in Ophiuchus, about 16″ across. Its central star is magnitude 16.6 (B-band).
When and where to see it
It is best placed in the evening sky around July, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in June). It can be seen from everywhere south of 77°N and never sets south of 77°S.
At its highest it stands 27° up from 50°N, 42° up from 35°N, 77° up from the equator, 68° up from 35°S.
Facts
- Type
- Planetary nebula
- Constellation
- Ophiuchus
- Designations
- NGC 6309
- Magnitude
- 11.5
- Apparent size
- 16″
- Position
- RA 17h 14.1m, Dec −12° 55′ (J2000)
Open AstroPilot to see when Box Nebula (NGC 6309) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.