NGC 1914

NGC 1914 is a compact stellar association and emission/reflection nebula located in the constellation of Mensa. It lies within the Large Magellanic Cloud, approximately 160,000 light-years from Earth. It was discovered by John Herschel on November 3, 1834.

Observation

The central cluster is compact and contains several O- and B-type stars that ionize the surrounding gas, producing vivid Hα emission. The nebula displays a highly structured, labyrinth-like appearance with numerous dark dust lanes, knots, and faint diffuse extensions. One prominent dark nebula within the object has a distinctive seahorse shape, leading amateur astronomers to nickname the entire complex the Labyrinth Nebula.