Corona Australis (NGC 6729) was the third variable nebula to be found and has been observed for over a century. The variability of the two YSOs illuminating it, R and T CrA were discovered from Athens by Julius Schmidt. The nebula was a regular target of Harold Knox-Shaw from Helwan observatory in Egypt before and during the First World War and only its southerly declination has prevented it being better known. It lies just south of Sagittarius so does not rise from northern Europe. Nevertheless, the availability of remote telescopes has made possible regular observation. Terry Evans has obtained an exceptional series of images over the past couple of years. These have been studied in detail by Grant Privett and analysis should be featured in a forthcoming paper in the JBAA.
The environs of the Corona Australis variable nebula, a beautiful area of sky below Sagittarius. The globular cluster at top right is NGC 6723, the bright blue reflection nebula is NGC 6726/7 with TY CrA. NGC 6729 is the comet-like nebula below and left of this. Nick Hewitt image. iTelescope 31 510mm Planewave CDK. RGB 2016 June 13thThe Corona Australis Variable nebula NGC 6729 with its two YSOs, R and T CrA embedded in the reflection nebula. A fine detailed image by Terry Evans, using his own remote 203mm TMB refractor in Moorock, South Australia. 2016 July 27th.
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