Celestial hemisphere:  Northern  ·  Constellation: Cepheus (Cep)  ·  Contains:  B160  ·  B161  ·  B162  ·  B163  ·  B365  ·  B367  ·  Erakis  ·  Erakis (μ Cep)  ·  HD205196  ·  HD205510  ·  HD205917  ·  HD205948  ·  HD206081  ·  HD206183  ·  HD206267  ·  HD206482  ·  HD206773  ·  HD207086  ·  HD239710  ·  HD239712  ·  HD239724  ·  HD239725  ·  HD239727  ·  HD239729  ·  HD239748  ·  HD239767  ·  IC 1396  ·  LBN 451  ·  LBN 452  ·  LBN 455  ·  And 40 more.
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IC 1396 - Elephants Trunk Nebula, Indy Backyard Astro
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IC 1396 - Elephants Trunk Nebula

Getting plate-solving status, please wait...
IC 1396 - Elephants Trunk Nebula, Indy Backyard Astro
Powered byPixInsight

IC 1396 - Elephants Trunk Nebula

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Description

IC 1396, also known as the Elephant Trunk nebula, is a magnificent interstellar cloud located in the constellation Cepheus. Spanning over hundreds of light-years, it exhibits a unique and captivating shape resembling an elephant's trunk, hence its popular moniker. This stunning nebula is situated approximately 2,400 light-years away from Earth.IC 1396 is predominantly composed of a dense region of gas and dust, where the birth of new stars is taking place. Within the elongated structure of the trunk, numerous protostars and young stellar objects are embedded, illuminating the surrounding gas with their intense radiation. These nascent stars are in the early stages of their evolution, shaping the nebula with their powerful stellar winds and radiation pressure.The Elephant Trunk nebula stands out due to its intricate details and striking colors. The dust within the nebula scatters and absorbs the light emitted by the embedded stars, creating a mesmerizing display of dark and bright regions. This interplay of light and shadow enhances the complexity of the nebula, making it a favorite target for astrophotographers and astronomers alike.IC 1396 offers a remarkable glimpse into the ongoing processes of star formation and the dynamic nature of the cosmos. Its beauty and scientific significance make it an enduring object of fascination and study for astronomers seeking to unravel the mysteries of the universe.

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IC 1396 - Elephants Trunk Nebula, Indy Backyard Astro

In these collections

IC Catalog
Nebulas