Nebula
Tarantula Nebula (30 Doradus)
The largest star-forming region in the Local Group
The Large Magellanic Cloud's giant H II region, 1,000 light-years across; if it were where the Orion Nebula is, it would be bright enough to cast shadows. The R136 cluster at its centre holds the most massive stars known; SN 1987A exploded nearby.
| Type | Nebula |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Dorado |
| Host galaxy | Large Magellanic Cloud |
| Distance | 49.6 kpc (LMC) |
| Apparent magnitude | 8,0 |
| Diameter | ~1,000 light-years |
| Mass (gas) | ~10⁶ M☉ |
| Right ascension (J2000) | 5h 39m 02.4s |
| Declination (J2000) | −69° 08′ 24″ |
In the sky
Visible from the whole Southern Hemisphere and north to latitude 21° N. South of latitude 21° S it never sets. It stands highest at midnight in December, the best time to observe it.