description Pipe Nebula (Barnard 59) Overview
The Pipe Nebula is a dark molecular cloud in the Ophiuchus constellation, cataloged by astronomer Edward Emerson Barnard in the early 20th century. It lies approximately 600-700 light-years from Earth and forms part of the larger Ophiuchus molecular cloud complex. Its dense dust and gas absorb visible light, silhouetting it against the brighter Milky Way background. The nebula contains regions of active low-mass star formation.
help Pipe Nebula (Barnard 59) FAQ
Where is the Pipe Nebula located in the night sky?
The Pipe Nebula is a dark molecular cloud located in the Ophiuchus constellation. It forms part of the larger Ophiuchus molecular cloud complex, which is a massive region of star formation relatively close to our solar system.
How far is the Pipe Nebula from Earth?
The Pipe Nebula lies approximately 600 to 700 light-years away from Earth. This relatively close proximity makes it a popular subject for astrophotographers capturing dark nebulae.
Who cataloged the Pipe Nebula?
The nebula was cataloged by the American astronomer Edward Emerson Barnard in the early 20th century. His comprehensive catalog of dark nebulae fundamentally changed how astronomers viewed these dark, obscuring clouds of cosmic dust.
What makes Barnard 59 specifically distinct within the Pipe Nebula?
Barnard 59 refers specifically to the bowl of the pipe, which is the densest region of dust and gas within the larger Pipe Nebula structure. This dense cloud blocks out the light from background stars, creating the distinct pipe-like silhouette.
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Similar to Pipe Nebula (Barnard 59)
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