IC 2177, the Seagull Nebula, is a large 2° x 1.5° area of emission nebulosity located on the border between Monoceros and Canis Major, 7.5 degrees northeast of Sirius.

The brightest portion is the head of the bird that is cataloged as NGC 2327. Known as the Parrot's Head Nebula, it surrounds the 8th magnitude star HD 53367. NGC 2327 is nearly bisected by an interesting dark lane that stretches from the star eastward.

IC 2177 makes up the wings and body of the Seagull. At a distance of 3,800 light-years, the nebula spans some 250 light-years in space.

Several open clusters are also involved in this area of nebulosity, the most prominent being NGC 2335, located on the northern wing of the figure of the Seagull nebula.

The brightest part of the nebula, NGC 2327, was discovered by William Herschel in 1785, but the larger extent of the nebulosity which comprises IC 2177 was found by Welsh amateur astronomer and astrophotographer Isaac Roberts in the late 1800's.

This area is part of the Canis Majoris OB1 association and Canis Majoris R1 reflection nebula complex.

In the lower left corner of the image is the NGC 2359 nebula complex.

North is to the top in the above image.

IC 2177 Catalogs: IC 2177, LBN 1027, Gum 1 Common Name: Seagull Nebula Object Type: Emission Nebula Size: 2° x 1.5°' Constellation: Monoceros / Canis Major Image Field Centered At: RA: 07h 11m 56s Dec: -11° 21' 50"