Barnard 142 and 143, often referred to as "Barnard's E," are striking examples of dark nebulae located in the constellation Aquila, around 2,000 light-years from Earth. These nebulae, cataloged by the American astronomer E.E. Barnard, appear as dark patches against the dense star field of the Milky Way, obscuring the light from the stars behind them with their thick dust clouds.

The dense star field surrounding Barnard 142 and 143 accentuates the contrast of these dark nebulae, making them prominent features in the night sky. The intricate structures within these nebulae highlight the complex nature of interstellar dust clouds, providing a fascinating study for both amateur and professional astronomers.