The Pipe Nebula . ... Cataloged in the early 20th century by astronomer E. E. Barnard , the obscuring interstellar dust clouds include B59, B72, B77 and B78 , seen in silhouette against the starry background. Here, their combined shape suggests a pipe stem and bowl, and so the dark nebula's popular name is the Pipe Nebula. ... The Pipe Nebula is part of the Ophiuchus dark cloud complex located at a distance of about 450 light-years. ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . ...