Reflection nebula · Monoceros

NGC 2261 Hubble's Variable Nebula

Also known as: C46, LBN 920

mag 11.92′ across

About

NGC 2261, the Hubble's Variable Nebula, is a reflection nebula of magnitude 11.9 in Monoceros, about 2′ across.

NGC 2261 is in the constellation Monoceros.
Best evenings: around mid-February it is highest at about 9 pm (10 pm in summer time); a month earlier, two hours later.
Where on Earth: it is seen well, at least 10° up, from north of 71° S.

When it rises and sets tonight, how high it climbs and how much the Moon gets in the way are worked out in your browser for your place.

EyesNot visible to the naked eye.
Binoculars (10×50)Too faint for binoculars.
Telescope (6–8 inch)A faint glow around its stars. The blue colour shows only in photos.

For a dark country sky with no Moon. From a city, faint galaxies and nebulae can disappear completely.

Designations	NGC 2261, C46, LBN 920
Type	Reflection nebula
Magnitude	11.9The smaller the number, the brighter.
Apparent size	2′ × 1′the full Moon is 31′ across
Constellation	Monoceros
Right ascension (J2000)	06h 39m 09.5s
Declination (J2000)	+08° 44′ 39″