When is the best time to observe Caldwell 100?

Caldwell 100 is best observed from February through April, with peak visibility during March when it transits around midnight in the Northern Hemisphere.

Where is Caldwell 100 located in the sky?

Caldwell 100 lies in the constellation Centaurus at right ascension 11h 36m and declination -63° 01′.

What telescope do I need to see Caldwell 100?

At magnitude 4.5, Caldwell 100 is visible to the naked eye from dark skies, easy in any binoculars.

Caldwell 100 — Emission Nebula in Centaurus

IC 2944

Emission Nebula Showpiece (80/100)

Magnitude 4.5^m EmissionNebula Centaurus Visible

Credit: European Southern Observatory. License: CC BY 4.0. (Wikimedia Commons)

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About Lambda Centauri Nebula

Description

The Lambda Centauri Nebula (IC 2944) is an emission nebula and open cluster complex in Centaurus, about 5,900 light-years away. The nebula surrounds the hot O-type star Lambda Centauri and is famous for containing Thackeray's Globules — dark, dense clouds silhouetted against the bright emission.

Observing Tips

The cluster is easy in binoculars, centered on the bright star Lambda Centauri. The nebulosity requires an OIII filter and at least a 6-inch telescope. The famous dark globules require a large aperture (12-inch+) or deep imaging. Best from southern latitudes in spring and summer.

History

The nebula was cataloged by Royal H. Frost in 1903. The dark globules were discovered by South African astronomer A.D. Thackeray in 1950 and became some of the first recognized examples of small dense clouds that may collapse to form new stars.

Fun Facts

Thackeray's Globules are dense, dark clouds about 1.4 light-years across and roughly 15 solar masses each. Originally thought to be collapsing to form stars, studies now suggest they are being eroded away faster than they can collapse.