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| Emission nebula | |
|---|---|
| H II region | |
 Pelican Nebula (IC5070 and IC5067) | |
| Observation data: J2000.0epoch | |
| Right ascension | 20h 50m 48.0s |
| Declination | +44° 20′ 60.0" |
| Distance | 1,800 ly |
| Apparent magnitude (V) | 8.0 |
| Apparent dimensions (V) | 60' x 50' |
| Constellation | Cygnus |
| Designations | IC 5070 |
| See also:Lists of nebulae | |
ThePelican Nebula (also known asIC 5070[1]) is anH II region associated with theNorth America Nebula in theconstellation ofCygnus. The gaseous contortions of thisemission nebula bear a resemblance to apelican, giving rise to its name.[1] The Pelican Nebula is located nearby firstmagnitude starDeneb, and is divided from its more prominent neighbour, theNorth America Nebula, by a foregroundmolecular cloud filled with darkdust.[2] Both are part of the larger H II region of Westerhout 40.[2]
The Pelican is much studied because it has a particularly active mix ofstar formation and evolving gas clouds. The light from young energetic stars is slowly transforming cold gas to hot and causing anionization front gradually to advance outward. Particularly dense filaments of cold gas are seen to still remain, and among these are found two jets emitted from theHerbig–Haro object 555.[1] Millions of years from now this nebula might no longer be known as the Pelican, as the balance and placement of stars and gas will leave something that appears completely different.
designated IC 5067
Media related toPelican Nebula at Wikimedia Commons
