NGC281 Emission Nebula In Cassiopiea

Uploaded 11/3/10

Select an image size for a larger view: 1024 x 768 1600 x 1200

 Surrounding the dim but moderately rich open cluster IC1590 is Sharpless2-184, also known as NGC281. The nebula is quite large, spanning over half a degree in size, filled with dark Bok globules, the birthplace of stars. The cluster on the other hand is a respectable 7.4 magnitude, but only 4 minutes in size.

Seen here clearly is the unique color differentiation from bright core to outer nebulosity. While the core has more blues which yield a bluish pink tint the outer most nebulosity is deep red and represents a much lower level of hydrogen excitation. The beautiful dark nebula superimposed are called Bok Globules, and represent areas of a higher density of dust becoming gravitationally bound.

Optics: 8" f/4 Newtonian Astrograph w/Baader MPCC Coma Corrector Platform: Astrophysics AP1200 Camera: Hutech Modified Canon XTi @ ISO800 Exposure: 24 x 5m = 2 hours Location: Payson, Arizona Elevation: 5150 ft. Sky: Seeing 4/10, Transparency 9/10 Outside Temperature: 55F Processing Tools: Photoshop CS2, Images Plus 3.82 HOME GALAXIES EMISSION NEBS REFLECTION NEBS COMETS GLOBULARS OPEN CLUST PLANETARIES LINKS