Deep Sky Object in Summer
Molecular Cloud around η Draconis (Around LBN 406)

Click on image to enlarge

Date & Time: Feb 20 2026, from 26:55 to 28:59 JST(+0900)
Mosaic of 2 flames of 8min.×8shots
Optical: TAKAHASHI 16cm(6.3") epsilon (f=530mm, F3.3)
with IDAS LPS-D1 light-pollution suppression filter
Auto-guided with TAKAHASHI JP Equatorial+SBIG STV
CMOS Camera: ZWO ASI2600MC Pro (Cooled temp.: -20°C)
Location: Ooizumi, Hokuto city, Yamanashi pref.

Camera Settings: Recording format...16bit FITS, converted to 16bit TIFF(6248×4176)
Device Size...23.5×15.7mm, Gain...100


LBN406 / Molecular Cloud, type 6 R
R.A.16h 46m 00.0s (2000.0)
Dec.+60°16' 00" (2000.0)
Apparent Size120×30'
Real Size90×22 light yrs.
Magnitude -
Distance2600 light yrs.
A very faint molecular cloud spreads about 3 degrees ESE of η Draconis (Athebyne) in the central part of Draco. Although this region lies far from the Milky Way, it is thought to represent a denser portion of the high-galactic-latitude interstellar molecular complex known as the Draco Cloud. Its overall extent is roughly 2 degrees, and its distance from the Solar System is estimated to be about 2600 light-years.
Its appearance is somewhat difficult to visualize, but it is sometimes nicknamed the "Laughing Skull Nebula." Even fainter molecular clouds to the north of LBN 406 are cataloged with identifiers such as LBN 413 and LBN 415.


Deepsky objects around ηDraconis Deepsky objects around LBN 406



Molecular Clouds around θ Aquilae
(Around LBN108)
NGC5643

Copyright(c) 2026 by Naoyuki Kurita, All rights reserved.
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