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IC 410, often called the Tadpoles Nebula, is a striking emission nebula located about 12,000 light-years away in the constellation Auriga. This vast cloud of glowing hydrogen surrounds the young open star cluster NGC 1893, whose hot, massive stars flood the region with intense ultraviolet radiation. Their energy causes the nebula to shine in rich shades of red, while also sculpting its complex structure.
The nebula’s most famous features are the two elongated pillars of gas and dust known as the “tadpoles.” Stretching several light-years in length, these dark, sinuous shapes are stellar nurseries in the making—dense regions where gravity may eventually trigger the birth of new stars. Stellar winds and radiation from the cluster erode these pillars over time, carving them into their distinctive forms.
Against the backdrop of Auriga’s star fields, IC 410 is both delicate and dynamic, showcasing the powerful interplay between star formation and destruction. It stands as a vivid example of how young stars can transform their environment, leaving behind a cosmic landscape that is as beautiful as it is transient.
Technical Details
Telescope: William Optics Zenithstar 61ii Refractor
Auto Focus: ZWO Electronic Auto Focuser
Astronomy Camera: ZWO ASI071MC Pro
Filter: Optolong UV-IR cut filter; 120 exposures @ 60 seconds each (2 hours)
Filter: Antlia ALP-T Dual Narrowband Ha/Oiii Filter; 72 exposures @ 5 minutes each (6 hours)
Total Integration Time: 8 hours
Auto Guiding: William Optics Uniguide 50mm Guide Scope
Auto Guiding Camera: ZWO ASI120MM Mini Guide Camera
Auto Guiding Software: PHD2
Telescope Mount: Sky- Watcher EQ6-R Pro 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 October 2022. Dark sky classification = Bright suburban sky (Bortle 6)