Key Information
Barndard’s Loop
| Type | Emission Nebula |
| Diameter | 100 or 300 light years |
| Distance | 518 or 1434 light years |
| Date of Discovery | Probably before 1894 |
| Other Names | Sh 2-276 |
Learning Point
- Barnard’s Loop is an immense, arc-shaped cloud of red-glowing hydrogen gas in the Orion constellation, spanning about 300 light-years. This cosmic bubble is primarily energized by the powerful radiation from the hot, young stars within the nearby Orion Nebula. Scientists believe the loop was carved out and shaped by the shockwaves of ancient supernova explosions that occurred a few million years ago, sweeping up the interstellar matter into the vast, luminous structure we observe today.
Project
- Draw a picture of Barnard, his telescope and Barnard’s Loop.
- Overview
- Real Photo
Location
| Location | Orion constellation, within the Milky Way |
Fun Facts
- Scientists believe this enormous loop was actually created by a massive supernova explosion—a giant star blowing up—that happened about two to four million years ago. This explosion pushed the gas into a giant, expanding bubble!
- Because it is so huge, it takes up a lot of space in the sky! It is so big that if you held your closed fist out at arm’s length, your hand wouldn’t be big enough to cover the whole nebula.
- This cosmic cloud glows mostly a beautiful bright red color. That red comes from super-hot hydrogen gas that is being powered and “turned on” by the fierce ultraviolet light from the baby stars forming inside the Orion Nebula.
- This arc of gas is truly enormous in physical size, measuring up to 300 light-years across.
Past Lessons
| 243 | December 8, 2025 | (North America) |