IC 2944, also known as the Running Chicken Nebula, the Lambda Centauri Nebula or the λ Centauri Nebula, is an open cluster with an associated emission nebula found in the constellation Centaurus, near the star λ Centauri.

Cataloged as IC 2944, the Running Chicken Nebula spans about 100 light years and lies about 6,000 light years away toward the constellation of the Centaur (Centaurus). The featured image, shown in scientifically assigned colors, was captured recently in a 12-hour exposure.

May 3, 2023 · IC 2944 or The Running Chicken Nebula is a large and colorful deep-sky object located in the southern constellation Centaurus. It is associated with both an open cluster and an emission nebula. Great for beginners living in the southern hemisphere.

Apr 8, 2025 · The Running Chicken Nebula (λ Centauri Nebula, IC 2944, Caldwell 100) is an emission nebula with an open cluster located approximately 6,500 light-years away in the constellation Centaurus.

Sep 21, 2011 · This new image from the Wide Field Imager on the MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope shows the Running Chicken Nebula, a cloud of gas and newborn stars that lies around 6500 light-years away from us in the constellation of Centaurus (The Centaur).

Apr 30, 2024 · This stunning view of the Running Chicken Nebula, IC 2944, took astrophotographer Rod Prazeres over 42 hours to capture, his longest project yet. "The Running Chicken Nebula was quite a challenge...

IC 2944 is a Star Cluster + Nebula in the Centaurus constellation. IC 2944 is situated south of the celestial equator and, as such, it is more easily visible from the southern hemisphere. Given its B magnitude of 4.5, IC 2944 is barely visible to the naked eye, easily visible with the help of a …

IC 2944, also known as the Running Chicken Nebula (can you see a "running chicken?"), is an open cluster with an associated emission nebula found in the Southern Hemisphere constellation Centaurus, near the star Gamma Centauri. IC 2944 is about 75 light years across and 6,500 light years from earth.

Jan 20, 2024 · IC 2944, the Running Chicken Nebula, is a star-forming region in the constellation Centaurus. It is a part of a larger star cluster complex called the Lambda Centauri Nebula or the IC 2948 Nebula. At 4h30, you can see Hen2-72, a small planetary nebula.

The Running Chicken Nebula is located in the constellation of Centaurus, about 6,500 light years from Earth. The young stars within this nebula emit intense radiation that makes the surrounding hydrog...