View source for Coalsack nebula

==History==
The nebula is sufficiently large that it is easily seen with the naked eye. A such, it has been known such ancient times.<ref name=constellation-guide/> It was first recorded by a European in 1499, by the [[Spanish]] navigator Vicente Yáñez Pinzón on his journey to South America. The first proper description of the object was provided by Peter Martyr d’Anghiera, at some point between 1511 and 1521. Much later in 1970, the Finish astronomer Kalevi Mattila demonstrated that the nebula is not completely black, but instead has 10% the brightness of the surrounding [[Milky Way]]. This light derives from the reflection of the light of stars obscured by the nebula. Background stars are visible in observations with the latest telescopes.

As it has been known since prehistoric times, there are many [[myth]]s and legends surrounding the Coalsack nebula. The [[Inca]]s believe the Coalsack nebula is where their god, Ataguchu, kicked the Milky Way. A piece flew off and the nebula is what remains. The [[Aborigine|Aboriginal Australians]] believe that the nebula forms the head of an [[emu]], whose body stretches down across [[Scorpius]].