Celestial hemisphere:  Southern  ·  Constellation: Eridanus (Eri)  ·  Contains:  19 Ori)  ·  20 Ori  ·  3 Lep  ·  61 Eri  ·  65 Eri)  ·  67 Eri)  ·  69 Eri)  ·  Algebar (β Ori  ·  Dhalim (β Eri  ·  IC 2098  ·  IC 2099  ·  IC 2101  ·  IC 2102  ·  IC 2118  ·  IC 398  ·  IC 399  ·  LBN 910  ·  LBN 915  ·  LBN 916  ·  LBN 923  ·  LBN 945  ·  LBN 959  ·  LBN 968  ·  LBN 975  ·  LBN 980  ·  LDN 1615  ·  LDN 1616  ·  NGC 1678  ·  NGC 1681  ·  NGC 1682  ·  And 40 more.
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IC 2118 - Witch Head Nebula & Neighbors, Hunter Outten
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IC 2118 - Witch Head Nebula & Neighbors

Getting plate-solving status, please wait...
IC 2118 - Witch Head Nebula & Neighbors, Hunter Outten
Powered byPixInsight

IC 2118 - Witch Head Nebula & Neighbors

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Description

The Witch Head Nebula, also known as IC 2118, is a large and faint reflection nebula located in the constellation Eridanus. It is named for its distinctive shape, which resembles the profile of a witch's head. The nebula is illuminated by the light of the bright star Rigel in the nearby Orion constellation, which is not part of the nebula itself but serves as a light source that causes the surrounding dust and gas to reflect light.IC 2118 is primarily composed of dust grains that scatter and reflect the light from Rigel, creating a bluish glow. The nebula spans a relatively large area in the sky and is a popular target for astrophotographers due to its unique and intriguing appearance. It is often photographed in combination with other celestial objects, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the images.While the Witch Head Nebula is not a prominent object for visual observation due to its faintness, it stands out in astrophotography, showcasing the beauty of the interplay between stars and the surrounding interstellar medium.

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