Sharpless 86, also known as Sh2-86, is an extensive emission nebula surrounding the open star cluster NGC 6823, filled with glowing hydrogen gas and intricate dark dust structures. The nebula’s central star cluster is relatively young, about 2 million years old, with even younger stars in the outer areas. Dark, finger-like dust formations within the nebula resemble those seen in the Eagle Nebula’s “Pillars of Creation,” sculpted by radiation from hot, massive stars. This object is a favorite in astrophotography for its complex structures and striking contrast between emission and dark nebulae.
Names and Catalog numbers
- Sharpless 86 (Sh2-86)
- LBN 135
- NGC 6820
- NGC 6823 (associated star cluster)
Position and the cosmic neighborhood
Sharpless 86 is situated in the constellation Vulpecula near the summer Milky Way dark rift that extends from Cygnus to Aquila. It lies about 3 degrees from the Dumbbell Nebula (M27) and is part of the Vulpecula OB1 association, which includes the young open cluster NGC 6823 that powers the nebula’s glow. The region features emission and reflection nebulae as well as complex filamentary and pillar-like structures shaped by intense ultraviolet radiation from hot OB class stars. These characteristics make the nebula a striking target embedded in a rich field of star-forming activity.
Nice to Know
- The nebula harbors dark, finger-like dust pillars caused by erosion from intense radiation, similar to the Eagle Nebula’s “Pillars of Creation.”
- The embedded open cluster NGC 6823 contains stars mostly around 2 million years old, with younger stars on its outskirts.
- The nebula covers an area about the size of the full moon in the night sky, roughly 40 arcminutes across.
- It can be imaged effectively using hydrogen-alpha narrowband filters, even during near-full moon conditions, enhancing the red emission from ionized hydrogen gas.
Brightnes, distance and size
Sharpless 86 shines primarily by emission from ionized hydrogen, with a visual brightness that requires astrophotography techniques and narrowband filters to capture its faint details. It lies approximately 6,000 light-years from Earth. The nebula spans about 40 arcminutes in the sky, corresponding to a physical diameter of roughly 50 light-years across, making it an extensive and visually rewarding target in the emission nebula category.
