Snake Nebula

Dark nebula
name = Snake Nebula


type = Dark
epoch = J2000.0
ra = 17^h 23^m 30^s
dec = −23° 38′
dist_ly = 650
dist_pc = 200
appmag_v = –
size_v = 4 arcmins
constellation = Ophiuchus
radius_ly = a few lys
absmag_v = –
notes = –
names = Barnard 72

The Snake Nebula (also known as Barnard 72) is a dark nebula in the Ophiuchus constellation. It is a small but readily apparent S-shaped dust lane that snakes out in front of the Milky Way star clouds from the north-north-west edge of the bowl of the Pipe Nebula. Its thickness runs between 2′ and 3′ and runs around 6′ in the north-west / south-east orientation. A good view in a 4" to 6" telescope requires clear dark skies.

It is part of the much larger Dark Horse Nebula.

To the right side of the Snake Nebula is found Barnard 68. Below it are found Barnard 69, Barnard 70, and Barnard 74.

External links

*WikiSky|name=The Snake Nebula|HD 157398|z=8