Cocoon Nebula
IC 5146
Properties
Position & Identifiers
Visibility
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About Cocoon Nebula
Description
The Cocoon Nebula (IC 5146) is an emission and reflection nebula in Cygnus, about 3,300 light-years away. It is connected to a long, dark molecular cloud known as Barnard 168 that trails away from the bright nebula for over a degree.
Observing Tips
The bright nebula requires a 6-inch telescope and dark skies. An OIII or UHC filter helps. The adjacent dark nebula Barnard 168 is visible as a starless lane in binoculars or a wide-field scope. Best in summer and autumn when Cygnus is overhead.
History
Discovered by Thomas Henry Espinall Compton Espin in 1899. The dark cloud trailing from the nebula was cataloged by E.E. Barnard, the famous dark nebula observer.
Fun Facts
The Cocoon Nebula is a stellar nursery with a young cluster of about 100 stars at its heart. The cluster's most massive star, BD+46 3474, illuminates and ionizes the surrounding gas.
Community Photos (1)
Credit: Credit Line and Copyright Adam Block/Mount Lemmon SkyCenter/University of Arizona. License: CC BY-SA 3.0 us. (Wikimedia Commons)
Skybred Mar 2, 2026