Deep space
Lambda Centauri Nebula
Open cluster and nebula · C100 · IC 2944
Open cluster and nebula in Centaurus
Photo: ESO · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
IC 2944, also known as the Running Chicken Nebula, the Lambda Centauri Nebula or the λ Centauri Nebula, is an open cluster with an associated emission nebula found in the constellation Centaurus, near the star λ Centauri. It features Bok globules, which are frequently a site of active star formation. However, no evidence for star formation has been found in any of the globules in IC 2944. Other designations for IC 2944 include RCW 62, G40 and G42.
Description from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
In your sky
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Key facts
Distance
~6,000 light-years
Apparent mag.
+4.5
Apparent size
7.2′
Best seen with
Naked eye
Catalogue
C100 · IC 2944
Did you know
- Listed as Caldwell 100 in the Caldwell catalogue, also known as IC 2944.
- Found in the constellation Centaurus.
- Bright enough to see with the naked eye.
