Lions head nebula, Sharpless 2-132
Revisited this earlier target to add some data and new processing techniques. I'm not sure how this looks like a lions head :D But it doesn't matter. These descriptive names do wonders for helping me recognize previous projects but unlike constellations who's names and description give me a sense of connection with humans of bygone eras these modern deep sky object names seem a bit silly to me ;)
"The Lion's Head Nebula, also known as Sharpless 2-132, is a lesser-known but intriguing nebula located in the constellation Cepheus. This emission nebula features ionized gas illuminated by the ultraviolet light from nearby hot stars, which gives it its glowing appearance. The nebula’s resemblance to a lion’s head, from which it derives its name, is seen in the intricate patterns and structures of gas and dust within it.
Key Features:
Distance and Size: Located at a distance of approximately 10,000 light-years from Earth, the Lion's Head Nebula spans several light years across. The exact size can vary depending on the boundaries defined by observations in different wavelengths.
Composition: Primarily composed of hydrogen gas, it also contains traces of other elements such as oxygen and sulfur, which add to the variety of colors typically seen in images—reds from hydrogen, greens from oxygen, and blues from sulfur.
Star Formation: The nebula is a site of active star formation. Dense clouds of gas and dust within the nebula collapse under their own gravity, leading to the birth of new stars. These young stars often emit strong stellar winds and ultraviolet radiation that further shape and ionize the surrounding nebula.
Observation: The Lion’s Head Nebula can be a challenging target for amateur astronomers due to its faintness and the need for dark skies away from light pollution. It is best viewed through medium to large telescopes equipped with cameras capable of long exposure times to capture its faint details.
Scientific Interest: Astronomically, the Lion's Head Nebula is of interest due to its active star-forming regions. Studying such nebulae helps astronomers understand the processes of stellar evolution and the dynamics of interstellar matter. The structures within the nebula, such as pillars and globules, can provide insights into the effects of stellar winds and radiation on nebular material.
Overall, the Lion’s Head Nebula represents a beautiful example of the dynamic and ongoing processes in our universe that lead to star formation and the sculpting of cosmic landscapes." synthesized from various sources
Askar ACL200: 200mm f/4
Nikon 70-200mm 200mm f/2.8
ZWO ASI533MM Mono Camera at -10C
ZWO ASI533MM Mono Camera at -10C
Guided together on ZWO AM5
15xHa, 20xOiii, 6xSii @600s
+Used from previous session: 45x300s with Sii filter
total integration time: ~10.5 hours
Lions head nebula, Sharpless 2-132
Revisited this earlier target to add some data and new processing techniques. I'm not sure how this looks like a lions head :D But it doesn't matter. These descriptive names do wonders for helping me recognize previous projects but unlike constellations who's names and description give me a sense of connection with humans of bygone eras these modern deep sky object names seem a bit silly to me ;)
"The Lion's Head Nebula, also known as Sharpless 2-132, is a lesser-known but intriguing nebula located in the constellation Cepheus. This emission nebula features ionized gas illuminated by the ultraviolet light from nearby hot stars, which gives it its glowing appearance. The nebula’s resemblance to a lion’s head, from which it derives its name, is seen in the intricate patterns and structures of gas and dust within it.
Key Features:
Distance and Size: Located at a distance of approximately 10,000 light-years from Earth, the Lion's Head Nebula spans several light years across. The exact size can vary depending on the boundaries defined by observations in different wavelengths.
Composition: Primarily composed of hydrogen gas, it also contains traces of other elements such as oxygen and sulfur, which add to the variety of colors typically seen in images—reds from hydrogen, greens from oxygen, and blues from sulfur.
Star Formation: The nebula is a site of active star formation. Dense clouds of gas and dust within the nebula collapse under their own gravity, leading to the birth of new stars. These young stars often emit strong stellar winds and ultraviolet radiation that further shape and ionize the surrounding nebula.
Observation: The Lion’s Head Nebula can be a challenging target for amateur astronomers due to its faintness and the need for dark skies away from light pollution. It is best viewed through medium to large telescopes equipped with cameras capable of long exposure times to capture its faint details.
Scientific Interest: Astronomically, the Lion's Head Nebula is of interest due to its active star-forming regions. Studying such nebulae helps astronomers understand the processes of stellar evolution and the dynamics of interstellar matter. The structures within the nebula, such as pillars and globules, can provide insights into the effects of stellar winds and radiation on nebular material.
Overall, the Lion’s Head Nebula represents a beautiful example of the dynamic and ongoing processes in our universe that lead to star formation and the sculpting of cosmic landscapes." synthesized from various sources
Askar ACL200: 200mm f/4
Nikon 70-200mm 200mm f/2.8
ZWO ASI533MM Mono Camera at -10C
ZWO ASI533MM Mono Camera at -10C
Guided together on ZWO AM5
15xHa, 20xOiii, 6xSii @600s
+Used from previous session: 45x300s with Sii filter
total integration time: ~10.5 hours