description Barnard 228 Overview
Barnard 228 is a long, dark nebula in the constellation Lupus catalogued by astronomer Edward Emerson Barnard. Also known as the 'Dark Wolf Nebula' due to its distinctive shape, this molecular cloud complex obscures the background starlight of the Milky Way. The nebula appears as a silhouette against the rich star fields of the southern sky, visible to observers in appropriate latitudes during certain seasons.
help Barnard 228 FAQ
Where is the dark nebula Barnard 228 located in the night sky?
Barnard 228 is a remarkably long dark nebula situated in the southern constellation of Lupus. It is positioned against the dense star fields of the Milky Way, where it stands out by effectively blocking the background starlight.
Who catalogued Barnard 228?
The nebula was catalogued by the pioneering American astronomer Edward Emerson Barnard in the early 20th century. It is included in his famous catalog of dark nebulae, which proved that these dark patches were actual clouds of obscuring dust rather than empty space.
Can you see Barnard 228 with a standard telescope?
Yes, Barnard 228 is actually one of the easier dark nebulae to observe visually, often requiring only a small rich-field telescope or large binoculars. Its distinct, elongated snake-like shape is best viewed under very dark, unpolluted southern hemisphere skies.
What is the physical composition of Barnard 228?
Like most dark nebulae, it is composed of a dense concentration of interstellar dust and cold molecular gas. These microscopic dust grains effectively absorb and scatter the visible light from the stars behind them, creating the dark silhouette we see from Earth.
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