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Hubble's variable neb

NGC 2261

Reflection Nebula Fair (26/100)
NGC 2261 ReflectionNebula Mon Visible Level 4 Large telescope (10"+) - No filter needed, dark skies help
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Properties

Magnitude —
Angular Size 2.0′ × 1.0′
B, vmE 330deg , N com = *11

Position & Identifiers

RA 06h 39m 12.0s
Dec +08° 43' 60.0"
Constellation Mon
Catalog NGC 2261

Visibility

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Filter Response Guide

Eyepiece View

108x TFOV: 0.5° Lim. mag: 13.3
N E

Hubble's variable neb · 2.0′×1.0′ · N up, E left

Surface Brightness & Visibility

Survey Image

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About Hubble's variable neb

Description

Hubble's Variable Nebula (NGC 2261) is a small, fan-shaped reflection nebula in Monoceros, about 2,500 light-years away. It is illuminated by the young variable star R Monocerotis at its southern tip and shows remarkable changes in brightness and shape over weeks to months.

Observing Tips

Visible as a small, comet-shaped glow in a 4-inch telescope. The brighter southern tip and fan-shaped extension are distinctive. Compare sketches from different nights to detect variability. Best in winter evenings.

History

Discovered by William Herschel in 1783. Edwin Hubble studied it extensively between 1916 and 1920, documenting its changes. It was the first object photographed with the 200-inch Hale Telescope at Palomar in 1949.

Fun Facts

The nebula's variability is caused by shadows cast by dense dust clouds orbiting close to R Monocerotis, which block and redirect the star's light like a cosmic lighthouse.