Emission nebula | |
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Observation data: J2000.0 epoch | |
Right ascension | 11h11m 32.7s[1] |
Declination | −61° 21′ 44″[1] |
Distance | 6,000[2] ly |
Constellation | Carina |
Physical characteristics | |
Radius | 50 ly |
Designations | GAL 291.30-00.7, RCW 57A, BRAN 348A, GAL 291.27-00.71, [GG70] 291.3-0.7, GAL 291.28-00.71, GUM 38a, [GS70] 291.3-00.7 |
See also: Lists of nebulae |
NGC 3576 is a bright emission nebula in the Sagittarius arm of the galaxy a few thousand light-years away from the Eta Carinae nebula. It is also approximately 100 light years across and 9000 light-years away from Earth.[3] It was discovered by John Frederick William Herschel on 16 March 1834.[4] This nebula has received six different classification numbers. Currently, astronomers call the entire nebula NGC 3576. A popular nickname is "The Statue of Liberty Nebula" because of the distinctive shape in the middle of the nebula. The name was first suggested in 2009 by Dr. Steve Mazlin, a member of Star Shadows Remote Observatory (SSRO).[5] Within the nebula, episodes of star formation are thought to contribute to the complex and suggestive shapes. Powerful winds from the nebula's embedded, young, massive stars shape the looping filaments.[6]
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