description Pencil Nebula Overview
The Pencil Nebula, or NGC 2736, is a prominent filament within the Vela supernova remnant. This structure formed from the expanding debris of a star that exploded approximately 10,000 years ago. Its distinctive shape – resembling a pencil lead – makes it notable for astronomers studying shock waves and the aftermath of stellar explosions. It’s primarily observed by researchers investigating supernova remnants and related phenomena within our galaxy.
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Pencil Nebula ranks #85 of 577 in the Nebula ranking, behind California Nebula, ahead of RCW 49.
help Pencil Nebula FAQ
What is the Pencil Nebula?
The Pencil Nebula, also catalogued as NGC 2736, is a prominent linear filament within the Vela supernova remnant. It is the debris from a massive star that exploded approximately 11,000 years ago.
How far away is the Pencil Nebula from Earth?
The Pencil Nebula is located approximately 815 light-years from Earth within the constellation Vela. It is part of the much larger Vela supernova remnant, which spans a significant region of the southern sky.
Why is it called the Pencil Nebula?
It earned its nickname from its distinctive elongated, narrow shape that resembles a pencil lead. This linear filamentary structure was formed as shockwaves from the supernova interacted with denser regions of interstellar gas.
Can amateur astronomers observe the Pencil Nebula?
The Pencil Nebula is a challenging target for amateur astronomers, requiring a telescope with a sufficiently large aperture and dark southern hemisphere skies. It is best observed from southern latitudes where the constellation Vela is well above the horizon.
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