description IC 4628 Overview
IC 4628 is a large emission nebula in the constellation Scorpius, commonly called the Prawn Nebula. Ultraviolet radiation from hot young stars ionizes surrounding hydrogen gas, causing the cloud to glow and marking it as an active star-forming region. Located several thousand light-years from Earth, it is observed by astronomers studying massive-star formation and by astrophotographers imaging southern Milky Way nebulae.
help IC 4628 FAQ
Where is the IC 4628 nebula located in the sky?
IC 4628 is an emission nebula located in the constellation Scorpius. It appears near the bright star Antares in the southern sky.
What is the common name for IC 4628?
IC 4628 is popularly known as the Prawn Nebula. The name comes from its perceived shape, which resembles the curved body of a prawn or shrimp.
How far away is the Prawn Nebula?
The nebula is located approximately 6,000 light-years away from Earth. Despite its massive size, it is very faint and difficult to observe without specialized astrophotography equipment.
What kind of nebula is the Prawn Nebula (IC 4628)?
It is an emission nebula and a massive star-forming region. The hot, young stars within the cloud emit radiation that ionizes the surrounding hydrogen gas, causing it to glow red.
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