NGC 2070 (OC+N)
| R.A. | Dec. | Size | Mag | SB | Cnt.St | Type | Distance | Chart |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05h 38m 39.6s | -69° 06′ 15.7″ | 30.0′ | 7.2 | 13.9 | EN | OC+N | -- | -- |
Background
NGC 2070 is the Tarantula Nebula — the most active star-forming region in the Local Group, embedded in the Large Magellanic Cloud ( 160,000 light-years). At its heart is the super-star-cluster R 136, home to some of the most massive stars known. If placed where the Orion Nebula is, it would cast shadows.
My Observing Notes
25-cm (Meade 10-inch LX200, The Coffee Grinder): Always astonishing — vast amounts of nebulous detail in this intense star-forming region. The 15 mm eyepiece (167×) accommodates it comfortably and reveals lovely strands of gas and dust.(Friday, April 2025)
44-cm (Club 17.5-inch f/5): With the 31 mm low-power eyepiece, an action-packed field with the nebula framed by bands of rich starfields dotted with clusters. Switching to the 9 mm and zooming into the nebula itself is a magical view — one can sit there and get lost in the curling filaments and bright clumps of nebulosity.(Saturday, September 2025)
References
Charts
