Flaming Star and Tadpoles Nebulae

This deep-space image showcases two stunning nebulae in the constellation Auriga: the Tadpoles Nebula (IC 410) at the top center, and the Flaming Star Nebula (IC 405) toward the lower left.

 

IC 410, the Tadpoles Nebula, is an emission nebula located about 12,000 light-years from Earth. It surrounds the young star cluster NGC 1893, whose massive, energetic stars light up and shape the surrounding gas. The 'tadpoles' that give the nebula its nickname are dense streams of dust and gas about 10 lightyears long. They are assumed to be sites of star formation.

 

IC 405, the Flaming Star Nebula, lies in the lower left portion of the image. This beautiful mix of emission and reflection nebula is about 1,500 light-years away and is illuminated by the hot, massive star AE Aurigae. Its flowing, flame-like filaments of gas and dust give the nebula its name and striking appearance.

 

Set against a dense star field, this image uses narrowband imaging techniques to highlight different elements: hydrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. The result reveals both the structure and composition of these rich star-forming regions.

 

This image is a SHO combination with the classic gold and blue hues of the Hubble Palette

 

Equipment

 

Telescope: William Optics Megrez 88

Mount: Equatorially mounted Skywatcher AZ-GTI

Camera: ZWO ASI 1600MM

Filters: Baader H/Sii/Oiii with ZWO EFW

Autofocus: ZWO EAF

Autoguider: ZWO ASI 385MC & Artesky Guidescope UltraGuide 32mm

Rig control: ZWO ASIAir

 

15x 300s H

15x 300s Sii

15x 240s Oiii

Done