description NGC 6445 Overview
NGC 6445 is a planetary nebula in the constellation Sagittarius, commonly called the Little Gem Nebula or Box Nebula. William Herschel discovered it in 1786, and its structured, angular appearance reflects a bipolar outflow rather than a simple spherical shell. It lies in a crowded region of the Milky Way near the globular cluster NGC 6440 and is observed by astronomers studying the complex shapes produced during the late evolution of Sun-like stars.
help NGC 6445 FAQ
What is NGC 6445?
NGC 6445 is a planetary nebula in the constellation Sagittarius, popularly nicknamed the Little Gem Nebula or the Box Nebula. It is a cloud of gas expelled by a dying Sun-like star.
Who discovered NGC 6445 and when?
William Herschel discovered it in 1786, during his systematic sweep of the deep sky. It carries the New General Catalogue number 6445 from the later NGC compilation.
What telescope do I need to see NGC 6445?
It is a small, fairly faint object, so a mid-sized amateur telescope under dark skies works best, and an OIII filter dramatically improves the view of its ghostly disc. It lies in a rich Sagittarius star field, so careful star-hopping from nearby landmarks helps.
Why is NGC 6445 called the Box Nebula?
Because its outline appears angular and boxy rather than round — the nebula is often described as looking like a small rectangle in amateur instruments. That structured shape reflects a bipolar outflow from the central star rather than a simple spherical shell.
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