Kepheus - Dark Shark & Wolf' Cave

Image Title: Kepheus - Dark Shark & Wolf' Cave

Copyright: AstroWolke - Arndt Wolkenhauer

Date image was taken: May 01, 2026

Location: Germany, 37186 Moringen

Data Acquisition Method: Personal Telescope Setup

Description and Details: This vast dust landscape in the constellation Cepheus combines two striking dark nebulae: LDN 1235, known as the “Dark Shark,” and the Wolf’s Cave region around LDN 1217 and Barnard 175. Dense clouds of interstellar dust obscure the light of the stars behind them, while small reflection nebulae scatter the light of nearby stars with a bluish glow. The image vividly shows that the seemingly empty space between the stars is filled with delicate structures of gas and dust.

Total Integration: 53h 30‘
L: 255x300s (21h15’) – 07.|10.|14.|21.04.2026
R: 51x300s (4h 15’) – 26.04.2026
G: 72x300s (6h) – 25.04.2026
B: 63x300s (5h 15’) – 22.04.2026
H: 201x300s (16h 45’) – 28.|29.|30.04 / 01.05.2026

FOV: 7.5° x 5°
Pixel scale: 4.56"/pixel
Dithering: 2 pixels every image
Gain: HCG 200
Sensor temperature: -10°C
Recording: ToupTek SkyEye 62AM
Filter: Baader RGB 2‘‘ | Baader SHO 2‘‘ Narrowband
Optics: Askar SQA55
Guiding: ToupTek GPM 462M | ToupTek OAG-X
Mount: ZWO AM5N
Control: StellaVita
Software: PixInsight & Photoshop
Darks: 30
Flats: 20
Flat-Darks: 30

Name: Dr. Arndt Wolkenhauer

Website or Facebook Profile: http://astrowolke.com/