Celestial hemisphere:  Southern  ·  Constellation: Eridanus (Eri)  ·  Contains:  NGC 1752  ·  NGC 1909  ·  the Witch Head Nebula
Getting plate-solving status, please wait...
IC 2118: The Witch Head Nebula, Prabhakaran
IC 2118: The Witch Head Nebula
Powered byPixInsight

IC 2118: The Witch Head Nebula

Getting plate-solving status, please wait...
IC 2118: The Witch Head Nebula, Prabhakaran
IC 2118: The Witch Head Nebula
Powered byPixInsight

IC 2118: The Witch Head Nebula

Equipment

Loading...

Acquisition details

Loading...

Description

The Witch Head Nebula is a celestial masterpiece within the Eridanus constellation, known for its enchanting and eerie appearance. Resembling the silhouette of a witch's profile, complete with a hooked nose and pointed hat, this nebula is a reflection of cosmic dust and gas, illuminated by the nearby star Rigel in the Orion constellation. Stretching over approximately 30 light-years, it captures the imagination of astronomers and stargazers alike. Its shape is the result of the intricate interplay between the intense radiation of Rigel and the surrounding dust clouds, offering insights into the processes of star formation. In this image, the nearby bright star's reflection including Rigel can be seen as bright lines intruding the nebula. The Witch Head Nebula stands as a captivating and mystifying sight in the night sky.

Comments

Sky plot

Sky plot

Histogram

IC 2118: The Witch Head Nebula, Prabhakaran

In these public groups

Very Wide Field