IC 2220
| Reflection nebula | |
|---|---|
IC 2220 as seen with ESO's Very Large Telescope | |
| Observation data: J2000 epoch | |
| Right ascension | 07h 56m 51.3s |
| Declination | −59° 07′ 31″ |
| Distance | 1,200 ly |
| Apparent dimensions (V) | 8 × 8 ° |
| Constellation | Carina |
| Designations | IC 2220, AM 0755-585, ESO 124-3 |
IC 2220, also known as the Toby Jug Nebula, is a reflection nebula located 1200 light years away in the southern constellation of Carina. The nebula was observed by the Gemini South telescope in 2023. It has an almost symmetrical bipolar structure, made up of gas and dust, reflecting light of the central red giant star HR 3126. This is rarely seen because the end-of-life phase of this type of star is relatively brief. Astronomers think that it is formed following the interaction between the dying red giant and a former companion star.