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Sh2-129/Ou4 (Ha-OIII)

Sh2-129/Ou4 (Ha-OIII)

Credit: Giuseppe Donatiello

 

 

Discovered by French astro-imager Nicolas Outters, the bipolar shape and emission are consistent with it being a planetary nebula, but its actual distance and origin are unknown.

Recent investigation suggests Ou4 really lies within the emission region SH2-129 some 2,300 light-years away. Consistent with that scenario, the cosmic squid would represent a spectacular outflow of material driven by a triple system of hot, massive stars, cataloged as HR8119, seen near the center of the nebula. If so, this nebula would physically be nearly 50 light-years across.

 

L-RGB-Halpha-OIII composition

Frames taken with Tair-3S in 2019 and 2020 + 110/250 f/2.2 in 2025. Total exposure 13h. New edit.

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Uploaded on January 21, 2026
Taken sometime in 2023