The California Nebula

California nebula

Location in Sky

California nebula

Acquisition: SkyWatcher 130-PDS. November, 2022


Quick Facts

  • Catalog: NGC 1499.
  • Discovered: 1884, E. E. Barnard.
  • Distance from Earth: 1,000 light-years.
  • Diameter: 100 light-years.
  • Magnitude: 6.0
  • Best Visible: Fall.

    • Description

    The California Nebula is an emission nebula located roughly 1,000 light-years away near the constellation of perseus. This nebula received its name due to its shape resembling the state of California. The California Nebula reaches about 100 light-years in diameter, and has a visual magnitude of 6.0. This makes it extremely hard to see with the unaided eye. This nebula is formed of gas that is ionized by a nearby massive blue star, Menkib, which is roughly 30 times more massive than the sun. Menkib is one of the hottest stars visible with the naked eye.