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Cocoon Nebula (IC 5146)

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description Cocoon Nebula (IC 5146) Overview

The Cocoon Nebula, cataloged as IC 5146 and Caldwell 19, is an emission and reflection nebula located in the northern constellation Cygnus. It is situated at the eastern end of the dark nebula Barnard 168, forming a distinct trail of obscuring dust. The nebula contains a young open star cluster, where newly formed stars remain embedded in the surrounding hydrogen gas and cosmic dust from which they originated.

help Cocoon Nebula (IC 5146) FAQ

What are the other names for the Cocoon Nebula?

It is cataloged as IC 5146 and Caldwell 19, and it lies in Cygnus. The dark cloud trailing around it is Barnard 168, which creates the cocoon-and-tail appearance. [NASA](https://science.nasa.gov/photojournal/cosmic-cocoon/)

Is the Cocoon Nebula an emission nebula or a reflection nebula?

It is commonly described as both an emission and reflection nebula because its gas glows while dust also scatters starlight. NASA's WISE image shows IC 5146 wrapped in dark Barnard 168 and highlights the star-forming cloud inside. [NASA](https://science.nasa.gov/photojournal/cosmic-cocoon/)

Are stars forming inside the Cocoon Nebula?

Yes. IC 5146 is a stellar nursery where young stars are forming inside the gas and dust, which is why infrared images reveal structures hidden by visible-light dust. The Herschel observatory also mapped star-forming filaments in the cloud. [NASA](https://science.nasa.gov/photojournal/star-studded-strings-around-cocoon-nebula/)

Why does Barnard 168 matter when observing the Cocoon Nebula?

Barnard 168 is not a separate random patch of sky; it is the dark molecular cloud that envelops IC 5146 and extends like a lane behind it. Including that dust trail gives a more accurate picture of the full object than treating the bright central patch alone as the nebula.

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