Le Gentil 3
| Nebula | |
|---|---|
Map of the Cygnus constellation which Le Gentil 3 is located in | |
| Observation data: J2000 epoch | |
| Subtype | Dark nebula |
| Right ascension | 21h 16m 49s |
| Declination | +50° 46' 12" |
| Constellation | Cygnus |
| Designations | Globular filament 7, GF 7, Northern Inkspot |
Le Gentil 3 (also known as Globular Filament 7 or GF 7 and sometimes called the Northern Inkspot)[1] is a very large filementary dark nebula complex located in the constellation of Cygnus. The nebula is part of a larger complex called Cygnus OB7 and lies towards the western end of the Radcliffe wave.[2] It was named after the French astronomer Guillaume Le Gentil who observed and cataloged Le Gentil 3 in the 1700s.[3]
This nebula can be easily observed with the unaided eye from a true-dark sky observing site.[3]
Observation
Le Gentil 3 was named after famous 18th century French astronomer Guillaume Le Gentil who first noted it in the year 1749 in his journal that it “seems opaque and very dark”.[3][2]
References
- ^ O'Meara, Stephen James (2019-08-06). "The coalsacks of Cygnus | Astronomy.com". Astronomy Magazine. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
- ^ a b "A Deep-Sky Vista and the Dark Nebula Le Gentil 3". Cosmic Pursuits. 2023-11-27. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
- ^ a b c "Le Gentil 3". www.astropix.com. Retrieved 2025-07-03.