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NGC 3626

Galaxy Good (43/100)

Lenticular

NGC 3626 Galaxy Leo Visible Level 3 Medium telescope (6-8") - Dark skies recommended
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Properties

Magnitude 10.9
Angular Size 2.9′ × 1.9′
Position Angle 157°
Galaxy Type Lenticular (S0-a)
B, S, vlE, sbM

Position & Identifiers

RA 11h 20m 06.0s
Dec +18° 21' 00.0"
Constellation Leo
Catalog NGC 3626

Visibility

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Eyepiece View

200x TFOV: 0.2° Lim. mag: 14.2
N E

NGC 3626 · 2.9′×1.9′ · N up, E left

Surface Brightness & Visibility

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About NGC 3626

Description

The Cave Nebula (Sh2-155) is an emission nebula and dim HII region in Cepheus, about 2,400 light-years away. It lies at the edge of the Cepheus B molecular cloud and contains active star formation.

Observing Tips

A challenging visual target requiring dark skies and at least an 8-inch telescope. An OIII or UHC nebula filter is essential. The nebula appears as a faint, irregular glow with a dark intrusion. Best observed in autumn evenings when Cepheus is near the zenith.

History

Cataloged by Stewart Sharpless in his 1959 catalog of HII regions as Sh2-155. The name "Cave Nebula" comes from the dark lane that appears to cut into the bright emission region.

Fun Facts

The Cave Nebula sits at the boundary between a hot ionized bubble blown by massive stars and a dense molecular cloud. This interface triggers new star formation.