Our journey is still lurking around the Perseus Arm of the Milky Way galactic core. Here is my 2023 edition of the Heart Nebula (IC 1805). This emission nebula sits about 7,500 light years away from Earth in the constellation of Cassiopeia.
A starless Heart Nebula
This region has a few popular targets. On the right bottom edge you will find the nebula designated as NGC 896 or the Fish Head Nebula. My image illustrates only a section of it, but it does resemble a fish’, not only the head. The hydrogen II emission region (the gold colors in the image) is said to be as a result of radiation from a small group of stars near the nebula’s center. This group of stars is designated as Melotte 15. As a trivia, Melotte 15 contains a few bright stars nearly 50 times the mass of the Sun. That blows my mind 🤯 !
The journey continues. In the meantime remember to look up and experience an amazing Universe!
Gear: AA Hypercam 26C, Askar 80 PHQ, HEM27 mount, Optolong L-Ultimate; ZWO OAG + AA120mc
Exif: 36 x 5-min lights; Gain 200, Offset 3, TEC @ 10 degrees; 20 darks,
SharpCap, PHD2; AstroPixelProcessor, PixInsight; Photoshop