Pencil nebula

The Pencil Nebula (NGC 2736) is a part of the Vela supernova remnant. It is about 815 light years from Earth located in the constellation of Vela. It was first discovered on March 1, 1835 by John Herschel. It is about 5 light years long and ever since it was created, it has been expanding about 179 km/s (111 mp/s).

Location

  • Constellation: Vela
  • Right acension: 09h 00m 16s
  • Declination: -45° 56' 53"
  • Distance: 0.25 kpc (815 light years)