Thor’s Helmet Nebula (NGC 2359) is another winter season target that has evaded me for some years now. But this season has been one of many firsts, so we will add this one to my portfolio and strike it from the bucket list 😉.
In 2023 I captured a fairly wide field version of the Seagull Nebula (IC 2177 ), and to my surprise NGC 2359 popped up at the bottom of the image, almost like the seagull had laid a cosmic egg or dropping (see here and below). But it was not the targeted object so I did not celebrate it other than I was happy to have found it.
IC 2177 and NGC 2359
On the technical side, NGC 2359 is an emission nebula that is approximately 30 light years in size, and located about 12,000 light years away from Earth in the constellation of Canis Major. The nebula has an overall bubble shape, but with complex filamentary structures. It is largely comprised of interstellar material swept up by winds from the central star WR7.
This nebula has a striking appearance to its name sake. The wealth of interesting objects in the night skies never cease to amaze me. It is one of the reasons I encourage you to look up and experience an amazing Universe!
Gear: AA Hypercam 26C, Askar 80 PHQ, HEM27 mount, Optolong L-Ultimate; ZWO OAG + AA120mc
Exif: 37 x 5-min lights; Gain 200, Offset 3, TEC @ 10 degrees; 20 darks
Software: SharpCap, PHD2; AstroPixelProcessor, PixInsight; Photoshop