Ghost of Cassiopeia

This image is a 5-hr guided exposure (60 x 5-min subs) of IC 63 (and part of IC 59), also known as the Ghost of Cassiopeia. The brightest star in the image is Gamma Cassiopeiae, which is 19 times more massive, 65,000 times brighter, and spins 200 times faster than our sun. The radiation from Gamma Cass is so intense that it affects the IC 63 gas/dust cloud several light years away.

 

The hydrogen within IC 63 is being bombarded with ultraviolet radiation from Gamma Cassiopeiae, causing its electrons to gain energy which they later release as hydrogen-alpha radiation -- visible in red in my image.

 

The dust in IC 63 also reflects the blue light from Gamma Cass. Hints of blue are just starting to show up in my data.

 

Rio Rancho NM Bortle 5 zone -- from my balcony

September 22 2021

William Optics Redcat 51

ZWO 183mc pro

ZWO 30mm f/4 mini guide scope and ZWO 120 Mini

Optolong L-eNhance filter

ZWO ASI Air Pro

Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer

60 X 300s lights (5 hr) ; with darks and bias

Gain 111 at -10C

Processed in DSS and PS

Done