Sections

Catalogues

Tools and Links

Galactic Map

Show the direction and distance to this nebula on the Galactic Map.

Pipe Nebula

Barnard 59, 65, 66, 67, 78, LDN 42, 1746, 1773
Incorporates the Bowl of the Pipe, Pipe Stem and Sink Hole

Dark nebula in Ophiuchus

Show on Sky Map

Proper Names	Pipe Nebula, incorporating the Bowl of the Pipe, Pipe Stem and Sink Hole
Messier Number	None
NGC/IC Number	None
Other designations	A combination of the dark nebulae Barnard 59, 65, 66, 67, 78, or LDN 42, 1746, 1773
Constellation	Ophiuchus
Right Ascension	17h 32m 0s (approximate centre)
Declination	-25° 36' 0" (approximate centre)
Distance	650 light years 199 parsecs (approximate)
Magnitude	Not applicable
Dimensions	Apparent: 8° 20' x 2° 20' Actual: c. 95 x 26 light years
Optimum Visibility	June / July

The Pipe Nebula represents a chain of dark clouds obscuring the Milky Way in the southern regions of Ophiuchus. The Bowl of the Pipe or Barnard 78 is at the structure's eastern (left-hand) end, while the Pipe Stem comprises three interconnected nebulae, Barnard 65, 66 and 67. At the Pipe's western end is a distinct dark nebula, Barnard 59, known as the Sink Hole. The entire structure stretches for approximately one hundred light years from end to end. Imagery provided by Aladin sky atlas

Indexes

v2.1g