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IC 1396 in Cepheus
IC 1396 in Cepheus (2025)
Credit: Giuseppe Donatiello (Oria Amateur Astrophysical Observatory - OAAO)
IC 1396 is a large emission nebula and star forming region located about 2,400 light-years in Cepheus. It is energized by the bright central multiple star HD 206267.
The name refers properly to the cluster scattered in its center but is extended to the entire nebular region, one of the largest and brightest in the sky.
The orange star is the red supergiant Mu Cephei of about 19 solar masses, perhaps the largest star visible to the naked eye with an estimated diameter of about 1600 times that of the Sun. The estimate comes from its interferometrically measured angular diameter of 18.672±0.435 mas at a wavelength of 800 μm (D. Mozurkewich et al 2003 AJ 126 2502). Mu Cephei is also a variable star.
Progressive stack of data obtained on the Piano Visitone, located at 1,400 m in the Pollino National Park, with 200-300mm telephoto lenses.
Calibration and Stack of files with RegiStar 10, removal of gradients with GraXpert 3, Tuning and equalization with Luminar 4.
IC 1396 in Cepheus
IC 1396 in Cepheus (2025)
Credit: Giuseppe Donatiello (Oria Amateur Astrophysical Observatory - OAAO)
IC 1396 is a large emission nebula and star forming region located about 2,400 light-years in Cepheus. It is energized by the bright central multiple star HD 206267.
The name refers properly to the cluster scattered in its center but is extended to the entire nebular region, one of the largest and brightest in the sky.
The orange star is the red supergiant Mu Cephei of about 19 solar masses, perhaps the largest star visible to the naked eye with an estimated diameter of about 1600 times that of the Sun. The estimate comes from its interferometrically measured angular diameter of 18.672±0.435 mas at a wavelength of 800 μm (D. Mozurkewich et al 2003 AJ 126 2502). Mu Cephei is also a variable star.
Progressive stack of data obtained on the Piano Visitone, located at 1,400 m in the Pollino National Park, with 200-300mm telephoto lenses.
Calibration and Stack of files with RegiStar 10, removal of gradients with GraXpert 3, Tuning and equalization with Luminar 4.