IC 2944 is a large and colorful deep-sky object located in the southern constellation Centaurus. It is associated with both an open cluster and an emission nebula. The Running Chicken Nebula is a great target for beginner astrophotographers who live in the southern part of the world. Object Designation: IC 2944 Also known as: Running Chicken Nebula, Lambda Centauri Nebula Constellation: Centaurus Object Type: Open Cluster with Emission Nebula Distance: 6,500 light-years away