Cocoon Nebula
Emission nebula

Cocoon Nebula

IC 5146 · Cygnus
These photons are ~4,000 years old
LP
Date
2025-09-23
Location
36.3859° N, 28.0414° E
Integration
18m (105 × 10s)
Software
ZWO Seestar app
Notes
—
Plate solve
Centre RA
21h 55m 04.7s
Centre Dec
+47° 16′ 10″
Field
42.7′ × 76.0′
Pixel scale
2.37″/px
Orientation
-91.3° E of N
TelescopeZWO Seestar S50
CameraZWO Seestar S50 Camera
RigFamily Holiday Rig
Captured from · Ελλάς
36.3859° N, 28.0414° E · open map ↗

Where to find it

Interactive sky chart centred on 21 55 04.7 +47 16 10, with constellation stick figures overlaid. Locate shows the whole constellation with the target ringed; Field zooms to the close-up. Drag to pan, scroll to zoom, click any star to identify it. Imagery: DSS colour survey via CDS Aladin Lite. Constellation figures © Dominic Ford (GPLv3).

A round emission and reflection nebula at the end of the long dark nebula Barnard 168. The juxtaposition of the bright cocoon at the tip of the dark filament makes a stunning wide-field composition.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of object is IC 5146?
IC 5146 is an emission nebula.
Which constellation is IC 5146 in?
IC 5146 lies in the constellation Cygnus.
How far away is IC 5146?
The light in this image left IC 5146 roughly ~4,000 years ago, so that is how far back in time you are seeing it.
What are the coordinates of IC 5146?
IC 5146 sits at right ascension 21h 55m 05s and declination +47° 16′ 10″ (J2000).
When is the best time to photograph IC 5146?
IC 5146 is circumpolar from around 54°N — it never sets, and rides highest (about 84° altitude) on evenings around August.
What equipment was used to photograph IC 5146?
This image of IC 5146 was captured with ZWO Seestar S50 and ZWO Seestar S50 Camera.
How much exposure time went into this image?
This image of IC 5146 represents 18m (105 × 10s) of total integration time.