Planetary nebula
The Owl Nebula
Also M97 · NGC 3587
A round planetary nebula toward the bottom of the Big Dipper's bowl, with two dark patches that look like an owl's eyes.
Measured
- Distance
- about 2,030 light-years (published estimates 2,030–2,840)
- Size
- about 1.8 light-years across (approximate)
- Constellation
- Ursa Major
- Position (J2000)
- RA 11h 14m 48s, Dec +55.02°
How far, from the Sun
About 2,030 light-years. To cross it:
- Light2,030 years
- Voyager 1's speed36.1 million years
- Driving at 100 km/h21.9 billion years
Voyager 1 at the speed it moved outward over the year to 2026-10-25 (JPL Horizons). Driving: nonstop, never refuelling.
Facts
- In 1848 observers using Lord Rosse's great telescope at Birr Castle made out its owl shape.
How it was found
- Pierre Méchain discovered it in 1781.
Where this comes from
- Stanghellini et al. 2008, ApJ 689, 194 (621 pc)
Every catalogue Ouranos draws is credited on the credits page.