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SH2-103, also known as Sharpless 103, is an emission nebula located in the constellation Cepheus. This glowing cloud of ionized gas is energized by nearby massive young stars, causing it to radiate in vibrant hues of red from hydrogen-alpha emissions. The nebula exhibits a complex, irregular structure, with bright knots, filaments, and dark lanes that hint at turbulent processes of star formation within. Although not as famous as some of its neighboring nebulae, SH2-103 is a striking example of a stellar nursery where new stars are born, sculpting the surrounding gas with powerful stellar winds and radiation. Its rich textures make it a rewarding target for astrophotographers exploring the northern sky.
It also contains NGC6960 (TheWestern Veil Nebula) and NGC6992 (The Eastern Veil Nebula).
Technical Details
The image is a two panel mosaic.
Telescope: William Optics Zenithstar 61ii Refractor
Auto Focus: ZWO Electronic Auto Focuser
Astronomy Camera: ZWO ASI071MC Pro
Panel 1 Filter: Optolong UV-IR cut filter; 180 exposures @ 60 seconds each (3 hours)
Panel 1 Filter: Optolong UV-IR cut filter; 180 exposures @ 60 seconds each (3 hours)
Panel 1 Filter: Antlia ALP-T Dual Narrowband Ha/Oiii Filter; 180 exposures @ 5 minutes each (15 hours)
Panel 2 Filter: Antlia ALP-T Dual Narrowband Ha/Oiii Filter; 180 exposures @ 5 minutes each (15 hours)
Total Integration Time (each panel): 18 hours
Auto Guiding: William Optics Uniguide 50mm Guide Scope
Auto Guiding Camera: ZWO ASI120MM Mini Guide Camera
Auto Guiding Software: PHD2
Telescope Mount: Celestron CGX Equatorial Mount
Telescope Computer: BeeLink GK-55 Mini PC / Windows 10 Pro
Wireless Communication: GL-iNEt Beryl Travel Router
Telescope Control & Image Capture Software: Nighttime Imaging ‘N’ Astronomy (N.I.N.A.)
Image Integration Software: Astro Pixel Process, by Aries Productions
Image Post Processing Software: PixInsight, by Pleiades Astrophoto
Images captured: Palm Springs, CA during July 2022. Dark sky classification = Bright suburban sky (Bortle 6)