Celestial hemisphere:  Northern  ·  Constellation: Cepheus (Cep)  ·  Contains:  B160  ·  B161  ·  B162  ·  B163  ·  B365  ·  B367  ·  B368  ·  Erakis  ·  Erakis (μ Cep)  ·  HD205196  ·  HD205329  ·  HD205510  ·  HD205917  ·  HD205948  ·  HD206081  ·  HD206183  ·  HD206267  ·  HD206482  ·  HD206773  ·  HD206842  ·  HD207086  ·  HD239706  ·  HD239712  ·  HD239729  ·  HD239748  ·  IC 1396  ·  LBN 443  ·  LBN 451  ·  LBN 452  ·  LBN 455  ·  And 46 more.
Elephant's Trunk Nebula, Jeff Newgard
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Elephant's Trunk Nebula

Elephant's Trunk Nebula, Jeff Newgard
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Elephant's Trunk Nebula

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Description

IC 1396 is an emission nebula situated in the constellation Cepheus, and it is an expansive region of interstellar gas and dust located in the northern sky. This nebula is characterized by its intricate and complex structure, spanning over a wide area of the celestial sphere.

At the heart of IC 1396 lies a cluster of young, massive stars known as the Elephant's Trunk Nebula. The nebula's distinctive name is derived from the elongated dark feature within its glowing gas clouds, resembling the trunk of an elephant. This dark nebula is a dense region of dust that obscures the background light, creating a visually striking contrast with the surrounding bright emission nebula.

IC 1396 is illuminated by the intense radiation emitted by the young stars within, causing the surrounding hydrogen gas to fluoresce and emit a reddish glow. The intricate filaments and tendrils of gas and dust create a captivating visual tapestry, making IC 1396 a fascinating target for both astronomers and astrophotographers.

Observations of IC 1396 often reveal intricate details of star formation processes, as well as the dynamic interplay between the radiation from massive stars and the surrounding interstellar medium. This celestial marvel showcases the beauty and complexity of the cosmos, offering a glimpse into the ongoing processes that shape and define our vast universe.

I am excited for summer to come around again so I can do this target justice in mono!

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Elephant's Trunk Nebula, Jeff Newgard