description Pickering's Triangle Overview
Pickering's Triangle is a faint, filamentary nebula located in the constellation Cygnus, forming a section of the larger Cygnus Loop supernova remnant. Discovered photographically in 1904 by astronomer Williamina Fleming at the Harvard College Observatory, it was named after the observatory's director, Edward Charles Pickering. The structure consists of glowing gas emissions resulting from a supernova explosion that occurred thousands of years ago. It is an important subject of study for astrophysicists investigating the lifecycle of stars.
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What is Pickering's Triangle part of?
Pickering's Triangle is a faint filament within the Cygnus Loop supernova remnant. It lies in the constellation Cygnus and is also known as NGC 6979.
Who discovered Pickering's Triangle?
Williamina Fleming discovered the nebula photographically in 1904 at the Harvard College Observatory. Its name honors Edward Charles Pickering, who directed the observatory.
Can you see Pickering's Triangle with the naked eye?
No, Pickering's Triangle is a very faint nebula and is not a naked-eye object. Observers usually need a telescope, a wide-field view, and an oxygen-III filter under dark skies.
Is Pickering's Triangle a separate supernova remnant?
No, it is one visible section of the much larger Cygnus Loop. The filamentary structure comes from shock waves produced by a supernova remnant.
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