The Cocoon Nebula (IC 5146) in Widefield
Image Title: The Cocoon Nebula (IC 5146) in Widefield
Copyright: astro geek
Date image was taken: August 27, 2026
Location: Western North Carolina
Data Acquisition Method: Personal Telescope Setup
Description and Details: A Three-Night Dual-Location Pursuit Across Western North Carolina
This widefield portrait of the Cocoon Nebula (IC 5146) captures the star-forming region along with its expansive dark dust lane, Barnard 168. Sitting 2,500 light-years away in the constellation Cygnus, IC 5146 is a compact emission and reflection nebula embedded within a massive complex of interstellar dust. The central core is energized by a massive, B-type star, while the surrounding dark sky is dominated by dense, light-blocking dust clouds that trace back into the plane of the Milky Way.
Name: Astro Geek
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AAPOD2 Title: The Cocoon Nebula (IC 5146) in Widefield
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