NGC 2070

Starforming Nebula NGC 2070 (= Lacaille I.2 = Dunlop 142 = Bennett 35) in the Large Magellanic Cloud in Dorado

The Tarantula Nebula, 30 Doradus, Looped Nebula

[NGC 2070, AAT]
Right Ascension 05 : 38.7 (h:m)
Declination -69 : 06 (deg:m)
Distance 179.0 (kly)
Visual Brightness 8 (mag)
Apparent Dimension 40 x 25 (arc min)

Discovered by Lacaille in 1751.

The Tarantula Nebula NGC 2070 was first cataloged as a star, 30 Doradus. It was recognized to be a nebula by Nicholas Louis de Lacaille on December 5, 1751.

The name "Tarantula" is most commonly used for this object, but Mark R. Chartrand, in his Skyguide, also gives reference to the names "Great Looped Nebula" (probably for its appearance) and "True Lovers' Knot"; "Looped Nebula" goes back to John Herschel.

Our image was obtained by David Malin with the Anglo-Australian Telescope. This image is copyrighted by the Australian Astronomical Observatory; see their usage policy.

  • More information on this image (David Malin)

    In the Astronomical League's Southern Sky Binocular Club list. In John Caldwell's list. Caldwell 103.

  • Multispectral Image Collection of 30 Doradus, SIRTF Multiwavelength Messier Museum
  • SIMBAD Data of NGC 2070
  • Publications on NGC 2070 (NASA ADS)
  • Observing Reports for NGC 2070 (IAAC Netastrocatalog)
  • NGC Online data for NGC 2070

    Hartmut Frommert
    Christine Kronberg
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    Last Modification: June 15, 2006