Stellar cluster in the Large Magellanic Cloud
NGC 1914 (also known asLH 40) is a compact stellar association and emission/reflection nebula located in the constellation ofMensa. It lies within theLarge Magellanic Cloud (LMC), approximately 160,000 light-years from Earth. It was discovered byJohn Herschel on November 3, 1834.[1][2]
The central cluster is compact and contains several O- and B-type stars that ionize the surrounding gas, producing vivid Hα emission. The nebula displays a highly structured, labyrinth-like appearance with numerous dark dust lanes, knots, and faint diffuse extensions. One prominent dark nebula within the object has a distinctive seahorse shape, leading amateur astronomers to nickname the entire complex theLabyrinth Nebula.[3]
