Sharpless 34, or Sh2-34, is a sprawling and faint emission nebula located in the constellation Aquila, roughly 4,500 light-years from Earth. This expansive region is part of a large complex of hydrogen gas energized by the intense ultraviolet radiation from nearby hot, young stars. Though rarely imaged due to its subtle structure and low surface brightness, Sh2-34 presents a tapestry of interwoven filaments and diffuse ionized gas, painted in rich hues of red by hydrogen-alpha emission.

The nebula is thought to be a remnant of past stellar activity, possibly shaped by the powerful winds and supernovae of OB-type stars. Its complex morphology and vast reach across the Milky Way’s plane make it a fascinating subject for deep-sky astrophotography, especially in narrowband filters that reveal the intricate structures otherwise invisible to the human eye.