NGC 261 is a diffuse nebula situated in the constellation Tucana. It was found on September 5, 1826 by James Dunlop. It is in the constellation Cetus, in the southern celestial hemisphere. Astronomers typically number and catalog NGC (New General Catalog) objects; however, not all objects in the night sky have been cataloged or are widely recognized.
Diffuse nebulae are clouds of gas and dust in space that frequently act as locations where new stars are created. These nebulae may be viewed from Earth because they reflect, scatter, and emit light from neighboring stars, making them visible even from great distances.
Location
The coordinates of NGC 261 are 00 46 31.5 (RA) and -73 06 16 (Dec.). They are the heavenly counterparts of Longitude and Latitude. The right ascension (longitude) of an object along the celestial equator from the March Equinox is measured in degrees. The March Equinox is roughly placed in the constellation of Pisces. If the number is negative, it indicates that it is “west” of the March Equinox.
The diffuse nebula’s declination (latitude) is its angle from the celestial equator. A negative value indicates that the location is in the southern hemisphere. Based on Tucana’s position, NGC 261 can be found in the celestial sky’s southern hemisphere. The heavenly hemisphere corresponds to the Earth’s hemispheres. NGC 261 is located south of the Equator. The Ecliptic is the path the Earth takes as it orbits the Sun. As the Earth is titled, we have Celestial and Ecliptic hemispheres.
