Andromeda
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Reflection nebula

The Witch Head Nebula

Also IC 2118

Open in OuranosCompare its size
The Witch Head Nebula — WISE, infrared
WISE, infrared. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech. Licence: Public domain (NASA). Source

A blue reflection nebula shaped like a witch's profile, lit by the bright star Rigel.

Measured

Distance
962 light-years
Size
about 48 light-years across (approximate)
Constellation
Eridanus
Position (J2000)
RA 5h 01m 59s, Dec −7.90°

How far, from the Sun

962 light-years. To cross it:

  • Light962 years
  • Voyager 1's speed17.1 million years
  • Driving at 100 km/h10.4 billion years

Voyager 1 at the speed it moved outward over the year to 2026-10-25 (JPL Horizons). Driving: nonstop, never refuelling.

Facts

  • It is lit by Rigel, the brilliant blue supergiant at the foot of Orion.
  • It stretches about 3 to 5 degrees across the sky and is too faint to see with the unaided eye.
  • Dust scatters blue light more than red, which gives it its colour.

Where this comes from

  • Zucker et al. 2020, A&A 633, A51 (295 +13/−20 pc)

Every catalogue Ouranos draws is credited on the credits page.