NGC 2261

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NGC 2261

An image of NGC 2261 by the Hubble space telescope.
Credit: HST/NASA/JPL.
Observation data: J2000.0 epoch
Type Variable nebula
Right ascension 6h 39m 10s[1]
Declination +8° 45[1]
Distance 2.5 kly
Apparent magnitude (V) 9.0
Apparent dimensions (V) 2
Constellation Monoceros
Physical characteristics
Radius -
Absolute magnitude (V) -
Notable features -
Other designations Hubble's Variable Nebula,[1] Caldwell 46
See also: Diffuse nebula, Lists of nebulae

NGC 2261 (also known as Hubble's Variable Nebula or Caldwell 46) is a variable nebula located in the constellation Monoceros. It is illuminated by the star R Monocerotis (R Mon), which is not directly visible itself.

NGC 2261 was imaged as Palomar Observatory's Hale Telescope's first light by Edwin Hubble on January 26, 1949,[2] some 20 years after the Palomar Observatory project began in 1928. Hubble had studied the nebula previously at Yerkes and Mt. Wilson.[2]

One explanation proposed for the variability is that dense clouds of dust near R Mon periodically block the illumination from the star.[3]

See also

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 "SIMBAD Astronomical Database". Results for NGC 2261. Retrieved 2007-04-11. 
  2. 2.0 2.1 http://365daysofastronomy.org/2009/01/26/january-26-60th-anniversary-of-hale-telescope-first-light/
  3. "A model for the cometary nebula NGC 2261". SAO/NASA ADS Astronomy Abstract Service. Retrieved 2010-11-28. 

External links



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