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Barnard 59

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description Barnard 59 Overview

Barnard 59 is a dark molecular cloud located in the constellation Ophiuchus, functioning as the densest core of the Pipe Nebula. It is cataloged within astronomer Edward Emerson Barnard's early 20th-century list of dark nebulae, where interstellar dust completely obscures background starlight. Unlike other active stellar nurseries, Barnard 59 exhibits very limited star formation, making it an area of interest for astronomers studying quiescent molecular clouds. It is primarily observed by professional telescopes due to its faint nature.

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What is Barnard 59 part of?

Barnard 59 is the dense core at the stem end of the Pipe Nebula, a dark molecular cloud in Ophiuchus. The broader Pipe Nebula also includes Barnard 65, Barnard 66, Barnard 67, and Barnard 78.

Why does Barnard 59 look like a blank patch in the sky?

Cold dust in the molecular cloud absorbs and blocks visible light from stars behind it. Unlike a bright emission nebula, Barnard 59 is identified mainly by the dark silhouette it creates against a rich background star field.

Are stars forming inside Barnard 59?

Yes, Barnard 59 is regarded as an active star-forming core within the Pipe Nebula. Astronomical studies have identified a small young stellar population and protostellar activity in the dense cloud.

Where should observers look for Barnard 59?

Barnard 59 lies in the constellation Ophiuchus and forms part of the Pipe Nebula, also known as the Dark Horse Nebula. It is best viewed with a wide-field telescope or binoculars under a dark sky because its visibility depends on contrast with the Milky Way.

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