description Barnard's Merope Nebula Overview
Barnard's Merope Nebula, also cataloged as IC 349, is a small reflection nebula located near the star Merope in the Pleiades cluster. It was discovered by American astronomer Edward Emerson Barnard in 1890 using photographic observation at Lick Observatory. The nebula is composed of interstellar dust particles that scatter and reflect starlight from Merope. It appears as a compact, fan-shaped glow in long-exposure astronomical imagery.
help Barnard's Merope Nebula FAQ
What exactly is Barnard's Merope Nebula?
Barnard's Merope Nebula (cataloged as IC 349) is a bright reflection nebula within the Pleiades star cluster, illuminated by the star Merope. Unlike emission nebulae that glow from ionized gas, it shines by reflecting and scattering the starlight from Merope.
Who discovered Barnard's Merope Nebula and when?
The nebula was discovered in 1890 by American astronomer Edward Emerson Barnard using the 36-inch refractor at Lick Observatory. Barnard was one of the leading observational astronomers of his era and also discovered Jupiter's moon Amalthea in 1892.
Can you see Barnard's Merope Nebula with a telescope?
Barnard's Merope Nebula is extremely difficult to observe visually because it sits very close to the bright star Merope in the Pleiades. It is best captured through long-exposure astrophotography, which can resolve the faint nebulosity against the glare of the nearby star.
How does Barnard's Merope Nebula relate to the Pleiades?
Barnard's Merope Nebula is one of the brightest concentrations of the diffuse nebulosity that pervades parts of the Pleiades star cluster in the constellation Taurus. It is located unusually close to Merope, one of the seven brightest Pleiades stars, making it a particularly notable feature of the cluster.
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