Caldwell 68 — Diffuse Nebula in Corona Australis
NGC 6729
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.
Observe
1Properties
Position & Identifiers
2How easy to spot?
| Telescope | Bortle 3 | Bortle 4 | Bortle 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 mm refractor 80mm refr. | V. hard+ | V. hard | Imp. |
| 150 mm Newton 150mm Newt. | Medium | Hard+ | Hard |
| Celestron C8 (203 mm SCT) C8 203mm | Medium | Medium | Hard+ |
Bortle 3 = rural · 4 = outer suburbs · 5 = suburbs
With O-III filter
| Telescope | Bortle 3 | Bortle 4 | Bortle 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 mm refractor 80mm refr. | Hard+ | Hard | V. hard |
| 150 mm Newton 150mm Newt. | Medium+ | Medium | Hard+ |
| Celestron C8 (203 mm SCT) C8 203mm | Easy | Medium+ | Medium |
3Visibility
Set a location in User Settings to see visibility data.
4
Filter Response Guide
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Eyepiece View
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Surface Brightness
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Light Travel Time Machine
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Relativistic Travel
Community Photos (1)
Credit: ESO. License: CC BY 3.0. (Wikimedia Commons)
Skybred Mar 2, 2026
Nearby in the Sky
Other targets within a few degrees — pan your scope a little and keep exploring.
Visibility scores assume a 150 mm Newton at Bortle 4.
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