NGC 3579 (Interstellar)
Interstellar in Carina
| R.A. | Dec. | Size | Mag | SB | Cnt.St | Type | Distance | Chart |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11h 12m 01.3s | -61° 14′ 51.8″ | 0′′ | -- | -- | -- | Interstellar | -- | -- |
Source: POSS-2 UK Schmidt Red (STScI) | Field: 10′ × 10′
Background
NGC 3579 is one of the bright HII complexes in the dense star-forming region around NGC 3603. Together with the neighbouring NGC 3576, this patch of nebulosity is energised by the powerful UV radiation of the young massive stars in the surrounding Carina OB1 association.
My Observing Notes
30-cm (SkyWatcher 12-inch f/5): Noticed only as a bright patch of nebulosity in the same 35 mm Panoptic FOV as NGC 3572/3590, alongside NGC 3603. Identified from charts after the session.(10 April 2026)
References
Charts
Ultra-wide view (~25° field)
Wide-field view with Telrad rings (4°, 2°, 0.5°)
Finderscope view (9×50 RACI, ~4.4° TFOV)
Eyepiece view — 35 mm Panoptic on 12-inch f/5 (1.6° TFOV)