The Running Chicken Nebula, also known as IC 2944, is a stunning emission nebula located in the constellation Centaurus, approximately 6,500 light-years away from Earth. This nebula is notable for its bright, glowing hydrogen gas, which is ionized by the intense ultraviolet radiation from nearby young, hot stars. The region is rich in star formation, with numerous young stars and protostars embedded within the nebula. One of the most striking features of IC 2944 is the presence of Bok globules—dense, dark clouds of gas and dust that are potential sites of future star formation.

IC 2944's nickname, the Running Chicken Nebula, comes from the shape of the nebula, which some observers liken to a running chicken. The complex structure of the nebula, with its bright emission regions and dark dust lanes, makes it a favorite target for both amateur and professional astronomers. Its location in the southern sky provides a unique and spectacular view for observers in the Southern Hemisphere.

Image Description and Details :

* Image acquisition by: Insight Observatory (Franck Jobard at Deep Sky Chile). * Image processing: Ruben Barbosa 12.5" f/9 Quasar Ritchey Chretien, SBIG STL11000, Losmandy Titan Frames: Ha: 80x600" (13h 20'), OIII: 73x600" (12h 10') This new image 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). Officially called IC 2944, or the Lambda Centauri Nebula, its strange nickname comes from the bird-like shape of its brightest region. The star Lambda Centauri itself lies just outside the field of view.

Copyright: Insight Observatory (Franck Jobard) and Ruben Barbosa