Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888)
Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888) is an emission nebula in the constellation Cygnus, magnitude 7.4 (blue), 20′ × 10′ across.
A shell of gas blown off by the Wolf–Rayet star WR 136; an OIII or UHC filter shows its crescent shape.
When and where to see it
It is best placed in the evening sky around August, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in July). It can be seen from everywhere north of 52°S and never sets north of 52°N.
At its highest it stands 78° up from 50°N, 87° up from 35°N, 52° up from the equator, 17° up from 35°S.
Facts
- Type
- Emission nebula
- Constellation
- Cygnus
- Designations
- NGC 6888, C 27
- Magnitude
- 7.4 (blue)
- Apparent size
- 20′ × 10′
- Position
- RA 20h 12.1m, Dec +38° 21′ (J2000)
Open AstroPilot to see when Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.