description NGC 261 Overview
NGC 261 is an emission nebula in the Small Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way in the southern constellation Tucana. It is an H II region, meaning that its gas is ionized by radiation from nearby hot, young stars. The object is therefore of interest in studies of massive-star formation and the structure of star-forming regions beyond the Milky Way.
help NGC 261 FAQ
Where is NGC 261?
NGC 261 is an emission nebula in the Small Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way. On the sky, it lies in the southern constellation Tucana.
What type of object is NGC 261?
It is an H II region, so its gas is ionized by radiation from nearby hot, young stars. That makes it an emission nebula rather than a reflection nebula.
Why does NGC 261 emit light?
The nebula's hydrogen gas becomes ionized by nearby young stars and then emits light as it recombines. This star-formation link is why NGC 261 interests nebula researchers.
Is NGC 261 inside the Milky Way?
No, the object is in the Small Magellanic Cloud, which is a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way. The constellation Tucana is the direction from which we see it.
explore Explore More
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
