IC 5146: The Cocoon Nebula . ... Credit Copyright: Jean-Charles Cuillandre (CFHT), Hawaiian Starlight , CFHT Explanation: How did this nebula get created? The Cocoon Nebula , cataloged as IC 5146, is a strikingly beautiful nebula located about 4,000 light years away toward the constellation of Cygnus . Inside the Cocoon is a newly developing open cluster of stars. ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . ... U. Based on Astronomy Picture Of the Day ...