C68
NGC 6729
Properties
Position & Identifiers
Visibility
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About C68
Description
NGC 6729 is a reflection and emission nebula in Corona Australis, about 424 light-years away. It is associated with the variable star R Coronae Australis and is part of a small but active star-forming complex that includes the Coronet cluster.
Observing Tips
A small, fan-shaped nebula visible in a 6-inch telescope. It varies in brightness along with R CrA. Located near the globular cluster NGC 6723 and the dark nebula complex. Best from southern locations in summer.
History
Discovered by Johann Friedrich Julius Schmidt in 1861. Like Hubble's Variable Nebula (C46), NGC 6729 changes in brightness and shape as the illuminating star R CrA varies.
Fun Facts
The Corona Australis star-forming region containing NGC 6729 is one of the nearest active star-formation areas to Earth, at only 424 light-years. Several T Tauri protostars are embedded in the associated molecular cloud.
Community Photos (1)
Credit: ESO. License: CC BY 3.0. (Wikimedia Commons)
Skybred Mar 2, 2026