NGC 6188

NGC 6188
Emission nebula
NGC 6188 and the associated star cluster NGC 6193
Observation data: J2000.0 epoch
Right ascension16h 40m 05s[1]
Declination−48° 47′[1]
Distance4,000 ly
Apparent dimensions (V)20 x 12 arcmins[1]
ConstellationAra
Physical characteristics
Radius300 ly
See also: Lists of nebulae

NGC 6188, also known as the Firebird Nebula, is an emission nebula located about 4,000 light years away in the constellation Ara. The bright open cluster NGC 6193, visible to the naked eye, is responsible for a region of reflection nebulosity within NGC 6188.[1][2]

Astrophotography of the NGC6188 nebula in narrowband technique and Hubble palette (SHO).

NGC 6188 is a star forming nebula, and is sculpted by the massive, young stars that have recently formed there – some are only a few million years old. This spark of formation was probably caused when the last batch of stars went supernova.

  1. ^ a b c d Dunlop, Storm (2005). Atlas of the Night Sky. Collins. ISBN 978-0-00-717223-8.
  2. ^ Filmer, Joshua. "Fighting Dragons of Ara". Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 24 September 2015.