We were introduced to this beauty around this time last year in the Blow that Trumpet blog. Details of the nebula are included in that blog, but as a reminder, the Elephant Trunk Nebula or IC 1396 is located some 2,400 lights years away from Earth in the constellation of Cepheus. This 2023 edition begun with a stack of just over 4 hours of total integration time using a 3nm dual band filter. This active star-forming region got its name from the iconic dark nebula that resembles an elephant’s trunk. I would like to challenge that designation because I believe I see a lady that is startled by my gaze. Do you see her? 🙂 Until next time, remember to look up and experience an amazing Universe!
Gear: AA Hypercam 26C, Askar 80 PHQ, HEM27 mount, Optolong L-Ultimate; ZWO OAG + 120mc
Exif: 50 x 5-min lights; Gain 200, Offset 3, TEC @ 10 degrees; 20 darks,
SharpCap, PHD2; AstroPixelProcessor, PixInsight; Photoshop