Celestial hemisphere:  Northern  ·  Constellation: Perseus (Per)  ·  Contains:  California nebula  ·  NGC 1499  ·  The star ξPer
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California Nebula, Steve Siedentop
California Nebula
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California Nebula

Getting plate-solving status, please wait...
California Nebula, Steve Siedentop
California Nebula
Powered byPixInsight

California Nebula

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Description

The California Nebula is an emission nebula in the constellation Perseus. It is named for its resemblance to the state California. However, at this particular orientation, it reminds me more of a cuttlefish.

It spans almost 2.5° and has an apparent magnitude of 6. However, because of its low surface brightness, it is difficult to observe visually. The use of a hydrogen beta filter and a "fast" scope under dark skies will give observers some structure to view. It is approximately 1,000 light years from Earth.

This was a first attempt at the object along with the first attempt at imaging with this particular setup. I was pleased that everything worked the first night out, and was even more pleased that the final image isn't terrible!

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California Nebula, Steve Siedentop

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