Coalsack Nebula
Dark nebula | |
---|---|
Observation data: J2000.0 epoch | |
Right ascension | 12h 50m |
Declination | −62° 30′ |
Distance | 180[2] pc |
Apparent magnitude (V) | – |
Apparent dimensions (V) | 7° × 5° |
Constellation | Crux |
Physical characteristics | |
Radius | 30–35 ly |
Absolute magnitude (V) | – |
Notable features | – |
Designations | Caldwell 99 |
The Coalsack Nebula (Southern Coalsack, or simply the Coalsack)
General information
Historically any other
The Coalsack Nebula covers nearly 7° by 5° and extends into the neighboring constellations Centaurus and Musca.[5] The first observation was reported by Vicente Yáñez Pinzón in 1499.[6] It was named "il Canopo fosco" (the dark Canopus) by Amerigo Vespucci and was also called "Macula Magellani" (Magellan's Spot) or "Black Magellanic Cloud" in opposition to the Magellanic Clouds.[6]
In Australian Aboriginal astronomy, the Coalsack forms the head of the emu in the sky in several Aboriginal cultures. Amongst the Wardaman people, it is said to be the head and shoulders of a law-man watching the people to ensure they do not break traditional law. According to a legend reported by W. E. Harney, this being is called Utdjungon and only adherence to the tribal law by surviving tribe members could prevent him from destroying the world with a fiery star.[7] There is also a reference by Gaiarbau (1880) regarding the coalsacks replicating bora rings on Earth. These astronomical sites allowed the spirits to continue ceremony similar to their human counterparts on Earth. As bora grounds are generally located on the compass points north–south, the southern coal sack indicates the ceremonial ring.
In Inca astronomy this nebula was called Yutu, after a partridge-like South American bird,[8] or Tinamou.[9]
References
- ^ "A Cosmic Sackful of Black Coal". Retrieved 15 October 2015.
- ^ .
- ^ "Coalsack Nebula". SIMBAD. Centre de données astronomiques de Strasbourg. Retrieved 2018-09-30.
- ^ O'Meara, Stephen James (2012-04-23). "Where is the Northern Coalsack?". Astronomy.com. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
- ISBN 0471265691.
- ^ ESO. 3 December 2009. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
- ^ Songs of the Songmen, 28–30.
- ISBN 978-0-387-95436-3.
- ISBN 978-0521125475.
External links
- Starry Night Photography: Coalsack Dark Nebula
- Starry Night Photography: The Emu
- SIMBAD: Coalsack Nebula