| Dark nebula | |
|---|---|
 The Dark Doodad is the vertical streak at center | |
| Observation data: J2000 epoch | |
| Right ascension | 12h 25m 00s |
| Declination | −71° 42′ 00″ |
| Constellation | Musca |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Dimensions | ≈3 degrees |
| Designations | Sandqvist 149, CG 21, BHR 80, TGU H1875, DCld 301.7-07.2, [DB2002b] G301.70-7.16 |
The Dark Doodad Nebula is a dark nebula near the globular cluster NGC 4372, much closer than the centre of the galaxy and in the galactic plane, having a length of nearly three degrees of arc. Although officially unnamed, this long molecular cloud has come to be known under this name. It can be found in the southern constellation of Musca (the Fly) with strong binoculars.[1]
This cloud consists of regions of dense gas and dust, and is one of the closest star forming regions to the Solar System.[2] It was described in Sky & Telescope as one of the finest dark nebulae—one that is "wonderful, winding, and very definite".[3] Just to the east of the southern end of the Dark Doodad is NGC 4372.[3] It has also been called the Musca nebula and grouped as the Musca-Chamaeleonis Molecular Cloud.[4]
- ^ Nemiroff, R.; Bonnell, J., eds. (December 8, 2008). "The Dark Doodad Nebula". Astronomy Picture of the Day. NASA. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
- ^ Coe, Steven R. (2007). Nebulae and How to Observe Them. New York, New York: Springer. p. 95. ISBN 978-1-84628-482-3.
- ^ a b Whitman, Alan (February 2002). "Nebulae of the Deep South". Sky & Telescope. Vol. 103, no. 2. p. 108. Bibcode:2002S&T...103b.108W. Archived from the original on February 10, 2014. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
- ^ Hacar, A.; Kainulainen, J.; Tafalla, M.; Beuther, H.; Alves, J. (February 24, 2016). "The Musca cloud: A 6 pc-long velocity-coherent, sonic filament". Astronomy & Astrophysics. 587. EDP Sciences: A97. arXiv:1511.06370. doi:10.1051/0004-6361/201526015. ISSN 0004-6361.