NGC 6164 (EN)
Emission Nebula in Norma
| R.A. | Dec. | Size | Mag | SB | Cnt.St | Type | Distance | Chart |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16h 33m 54.1s | -48° 06′ 38.3″ | 8.0′ | 6.7 | 10.2 | -- | EN | -- | -- |
Source: POSS-2 UK Schmidt Red (STScI) | Field: 15′ × 15′
Background
NGC 6164 (paired with NGC 6165) is the “Dragon's Egg Nebula”, an emission nebula a degree from Epsilon Normae inside Norma's “square”. Discovered by John Herschel in 1834, who listed two components separately (hence the dual NGC numbers). Originally described as a planetary nebula by future astronaut Karl Henize, it was later recognised as an emission nebula surrounding a 7th magnitude binary star. The two nebulous lobes Herschel saw flank the central pair. Lies 4,000 light-years away; some astronomers believe the central system was once a trio of stars, two of which merged to create the surrounding nebulosity.
My Observing Notes
(Not yet observed — on the Norma list from the May 2026 Universe Sky Tonight column.)
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)