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Heart Nebula

IC 1805

Proper NameHeart Nebula
Messier NumberNone
NGC/IC NumberIC 1805 (contains the bright region NGC 896 and the open cluster Melotte 15)
ConstellationCassiopeia
Right Ascension2h 32m 42s
Declination+61° 27' 0"
Distancec.7,500 light years
c.2,300 parsecs
MagnitudeApparent: +6.5
Absolute: -4.9
Mean DiameterApparent: 60'
Actual: c.110 light years
Optimum VisibilityNovember (Usually visible from northern latitudes)
NotesThis bright nebula in eastern Cassiopeia is illuminated by the light of the cluster Melotte 15, deep within its clouds of nebulosity. The Heart Nebula is one of a pair of similar nebulae in the same part of the sky, and the other, formally designated IC 1848, is popularly known as the Soul Nebula (so the entire structure is the 'Heart and Soul').

Imagery provided by Aladin sky atlas

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