North America Nebula (NGC 7000)

North America Nebula (NGC 7000) is an emission nebula in the constellation Cygnus, magnitude 4.0 (blue), 2.0° × 1.7° across.

A vast emission nebula near Deneb shaped like the North American continent. Visible to the naked eye from dark sites, it is best in binoculars or a wide-field telescope with a UHC filter.

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 45°S and never sets north of 45°N.

At its highest it stands 85° up from 50°N, 80° up from 35°N, 45° up from the equator, 10° up from 35°S.

Facts

Type

Emission nebula

Constellation

Cygnus

Designations

NGC 7000, C 20

Magnitude

4.0 (blue)

Apparent size

2.0° × 1.7°

Position

RA 20h 59.3m, Dec +44° 32′ (J2000)

Open AstroPilot to see when North America Nebula (NGC 7000) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.