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David

Darling

Witch Head Nebula

Witch Head Nebula (IC 2118)

The Witch Head Nebula (IC 2118) is a very large, faint reflection nebula in the constellation Eridanus that shines primarily by light reflected from Rigel, which lies 2.6° to the west. Its bluish hue is caused not only by Rigel's color but also because dust grains in the nebula reflect blue light more efficiently than they do red.

 

apparent size 160' × 60'
distance 680 light-years (210 pc)
position RA 05h 04.4m, Dec -07° 11.5'