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California Nebula (NGC 1499), Don Alm
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California Nebula (NGC 1499)

Getting plate-solving status, please wait...
California Nebula (NGC 1499), Don Alm
Powered byPixInsight

California Nebula (NGC 1499)

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Description

I captured this image of the California Nebula in the constellation Perseus from my driveway on December 16, 2022. In this orientation, the shape of the nebula appears similar to the state of California.

Although this emission nebula is about 5 times the size of the Moon in the sky, it has a very low surface brightness (apparent magnitude is +6.00) and it is difficult to see visually because its brightness is spread out over a wide area. The nebula is about 1,500 light years from us, and it is about 100 light years across. My modified DSLR camera allows me to capture the H-alpha light emitted by this nebula, which gives it a red color.

The bright star just to the right of the nebula is named Menkib. It is a blue giant star that is thought to be responsible for creating the nebula's luminance. The star is about 30 times larger than the Sun, and it shines about 3,000 times brighter. The star has a visual magnitude of +4.40, so you may be able to see Menkib with your naked eye from a dark suburban backyard.

Total Integration Time: 1 hours, 55 minutes (115 frames)
Focal Length: 135mm
Exposure Length: 60 seconds
Aperture: f/4
ISO: 800

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California Nebula (NGC 1499), Don Alm

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Nebulae