Coalsack Nebula

Coalsack Nebula
Dark nebula
The Coalsack Nebula taken by the Wide Field Imager on the MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope
Observation data: J2000.0 epoch
Right ascension12h 50m
Declination−62° 30′
Distance180 pc
Apparent magnitude (V)
Apparent dimensions (V)7° × 5°
ConstellationCrux
Physical characteristics
Radius30–35 ly
Absolute magnitude (V)
Notable features
DesignationsCaldwell 99

The Coalsack Nebula (Southern Coalsack, or simply the Coalsack) is a dark nebula, which is visible to the naked eye as a dark patch obscuring part of the Milky Way east of Acrux (Alpha Crucis) in the constellation of Crux.