This brilliant and colorful image of Sharpless 155, also known as the Cave Nebula, reveals a complex region of star formation and glowing gas sculpted by powerful stellar winds and radiation. Captured in the SHO palette (Sulfur, Hydrogen, Oxygen), this narrowband composite highlights the intricate interplay of ionized gases across the emission nebula in vivid contrast: sulfur in red, hydrogen in green, and oxygen in blue.

Located in the constellation Cepheus, the Cave Nebula is a blend of emission, reflection, and dark nebulae. The bright wall of gas seen on the left appears to form a cavern-like hollow, giving this nebula its popular name. This image represents 37 hours of total exposure, allowing for fine detail in the faintest structures of this richly textured cosmic landscape.

Simeis 147, affectionately known as the "Spaghetti Nebula" or cataloged as Sharpless 2-240, unfold a mesmerizing spectacle. This expansive supernova remnant bears witness to the cataclysmic death throes of a massive star, which, in a bygone era, expelled its outer layers into the interstellar medium. Its ethereal strands of ionized gas and dust, intricately shaped by the forces of the explosion, weave a captivating narrative of cosmic destruction and rebirth.

Approximately 3,000 light-years from Earth, Simeis 147 spans a considerable region of the celestial canvas. Its moniker, the "Spaghetti Nebula," is a fitting tribute to the nebula's intricate filaments and wisps that dance across the vast expanse. This image reflects a harmonious blend of scientific exploration and artistic finesse, capturing the delicate intricacies of a celestial spectacle that bears the indelible mark of stellar evolution.

The Squid Nebula, also known as Ou4, is a unique and peculiar planetary nebula located in the constellation Serpens. Unlike typical planetary nebulae with round or elliptical shapes, the Squid Nebula showcases distinctive tentacle-like structures, making it a fascinating object of study for astronomers and a captivating sight for astrophotographers.

Image Description and Details :

Image captured during 7 nights from bortle 9 backyard. Total exposure time of 38h with individual subframe of 10min for each filter SHO.Also included data from Chandra telescope to enhance the xray area in the center of ic443 where there is a neutron star probably leftover from the supernova.

Copyright: Riccardo Pacini