The cocoon nebula, also known as IC 5146, is classified as both an emission and reflection nebula. Located in the constellation of Cygnus the Swan it is approximately 4000 light years away from the gravity well. The central star that illuminates the nebulosity was formed approximately 100,000 years ago.
The nebula itself is about 15 light years across. Its location from our vantage point is close to the open star cluster NGC 7209 in Lacerta and open cluster M 39 in Cygnus. The dark lane of dust within the nebulosity is classified as Bernard 168 and is responsible for the “tail”.
This is a region of active star formation with hundreds of young stellar objects being identified; which occurs in both the reflection and emission areas of the nebula. One of the most massive young stars identified is approximately 14 times the mass of our sun.
The cocoon nebula, also known as IC 5146, is classified as both an emission and reflection nebula. Located in the constellation of Cygnus the Swan it is approximately 4000 light years away from the gravity well. The central star that illuminates the nebulosity was formed approximately 100,000 years ago.
The nebula itself is about 15 light years across. Its location from our vantage point is close to the open star cluster NGC 7209 in Lacerta and open cluster M 39 in Cygnus. The dark lane of dust within the nebulosity is classified as Bernard 168 and is responsible for the “tail”.
This is a region of active star formation with hundreds of young stellar objects being identified; which occurs in both the reflection and emission areas of the nebula. One of the most massive young stars identified is approximately 14 times the mass of our sun.