The California Nebula, cataloged as NGC 1499, is a vast emission nebula in the constellation Perseus, stretching nearly 100 light-years across. In this SHO narrowband presentation, ionized hydrogen dominates the structure, while sulfur and oxygen reveal layered filaments, knots, and subtle shock fronts within the glowing gas. The nebula’s elongated shape and complex internal texture are sculpted by energetic radiation from the hot star Xi Persei, which excites and ionizes the surrounding interstellar medium.

Captured from a Bortle 7 sky, this image demonstrates the power of narrowband imaging in overcoming light pollution. By isolating specific emission lines, faint structures and contrast within the nebula emerge despite challenging urban conditions. The result highlights both the large-scale flow of ionized gas and the finer details embedded within it, offering a scientifically rich and visually striking view of one of the sky’s most recognizable emission nebulae.

Image Description and Details : NGC 1499 and IC 2005 combine to make up what is known as the California Nebula due to its long and narrow outline. About 1000 light years from Earth, this emission (primarily hydrogen alpha and beta) nebula is at least partially energized by the bright massive star above it in this image (Xi Persei with a total luminosity estimated at 263,000 times that of our sun).
RASA 8, ASI071 MC PRO, EQ6-R PRO, ASIAIR PRO, Radian Triad Ultra, about 26 cumulative hours, Bortle 6

Copyright: John Quinn

Image Description and Details : Skywatcher Esprit 120ED Super APO Triplet
ZWO ASI294MM Pro ZWO
Skywatcher AZ EQ6 GT
Chroma OIII 3nm 36mm · Chroma SII 3nm 36mm · Chroma HA 5nm 36mm
N.I.N.A. · Pleiades Astrophoto Pisinsight 1.8


Chroma HA 5nm 36mm: 25x600" (4h 10') (gain: 200.00) -10C bin 1x1
Chroma OIII 3nm 36mm: 20x600" (3h 20') (gain: 200.00) -10C bin 1x1
Chroma SII 3nm 36mm: 20x600" (3h 20') (gain: 200.00) -10C bin 1x1

Integration:
10h 50'
Darks:
50

Copyright: Jose Luis Bedmar

California nebula.

QSI6120

Stellarvue 80mm APO, With reducer to f/4.8

Astrodome 3nm filters Ha OIII SII.

24 hours total exposure.

All 900 second subs

Copyright: Adam Phillips