description Blinking Planetary (NGC 6826) Overview
The Blinking Planetary, cataloged as NGC 6826, is a planetary nebula located in the constellation Cygnus. It is named for a visual effect in which the central star appears bright when observed directly, while the surrounding nebula becomes more visible when using averted vision, creating a perceived blinking effect. This occurs because the nebula's surface brightness is lower than the central star's intensity. The nebula is a popular target for amateur astronomers due to this distinctive optical phenomenon.
help Blinking Planetary (NGC 6826) FAQ
Where is the Blinking Planetary nebula located in the night sky?
NGC 6826 is located in the northern constellation of Cygnus. It sits roughly 2,000 light-years away from Earth and can be spotted with a small to medium-sized amateur telescope.
Why is NGC 6826 called the Blinking Planetary?
It gets its name from a visual optical illusion experienced by observers using telescopes. When you look directly at it, the central star is visible but the fainter nebula disappears; when you look slightly to the side using averted vision, the nebula pops back into view, making it appear to blink.
What is the magnitude of the Blinking Planetary?
The nebula has a relatively bright apparent magnitude of about 8.8, while its central star sits at around magnitude 10.5. This brightness makes it one of the easier planetary nebulae for backyard astronomers to locate.
What are the FLIERs seen in the Blinking Planetary?
NGC 6826 features two bright, reddish-orange patches on opposite sides of the central star known as FLIERs (Fast Low-Ionization Emission Regions). These are clumps of gas moving faster than the surrounding nebular material, though their exact origin remains a puzzle to astronomers.
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