We are in the constellation of Auriga, specifically in the HII region Sh2-230. This is a large emission nebula that extends for at least 5° in a region already rich in nebulae. The Sh2-230 region is located at a distance of about 10430 light years from us and is part of the Perseus Arm of our galaxy.In the same image, but on different planes, other fascinating nebulae are visible:
- On the right, IC405 (Sh2-229): Known as the Flaming Star Nebula, IC405 is an emission and reflection nebula located 1630 light years from us. It is illuminated by the irregular variable star AE Aurigae.
- In the center, IC410 (Sh2-236): Sometimes called the Tadpole Nebula, IC410 is a large emission nebula. It is associated with the open cluster NGC 1893, formed by massive young stars. It is located about 12,400 light years from us. IC410 is nicknamed the Tadpole Nebula because it hosts dark dust clouds shaped like tadpoles that seem to swim towards the center of the nebula. These “tadpoles” of IC410 are gas globules, small dense nodes of dust and gas that give birth to young stars.
- On the left, IC417 (Sh2-234): Often called the Spider Nebula, IC417 is a large emission nebula visible in Auriga. It is linked to the open cluster Stock 8 and is the site of important star formation processes. It is located about 7100 light years from us.
98 subs of 600" were acquired in narrowband with 3nm Antlia filters and 118 of 120" in broadband. Due to weather and light pollution, only 54 shots (18 per filter) were integrated in narrowband for a total of 9 hours.
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