NGC 1491

NGC 1491, also known as LBN 704, SH2-206 or the Fossil Footprint Nebula, is an emission type bright nebula located about 9,800 light years away from Earth in the constellation of Perseus.^[1] It was discovered on 23 December 1790 by William Herschel.

SubtypeH II region

Right ascension04^h 03^m 15.9^s[1]

Declination+51° 18′ 54″^[1]

Distance3.02 ± 0.6 kpc (9,800 ± 2,000 ly)^[1] ly

Quick facts Emission nebula, Observation data: J2000 epoch ...

NGC 1491

Emission nebula
The nebula NGC 1491
Observation data: J2000 epoch
Subtype	H II region
Right ascension	04h 03m 15.9s[1]
Declination	+51° 18′ 54″[1]
Distance	3.02 ± 0.6 kpc (9,800 ± 2,000 ly)[1] ly
Apparent dimensions (V)	~1½° [2]
Constellation	Perseus
Designations	Ced 25, LBN 704, LBN 706, Sharpless 2-206,[1] Little Pacman Nebula [3]
See also: Lists of nebulae

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The nebula gets its deep red coloration due to many massive stars (such as BD+50 866) embedded within NGC 1491 producing large amounts of ultraviolet radiation and ionizing the hydrogen gas that makes up the nebula.^[4][5]