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SH2-115 is embedded in the rich star fields of the northern Milky Way, forming part of a larger complex of ionized gas and dark dust. The region is a classic H II nebula, where energetic ultraviolet radiation from young, massive stars excites surrounding hydrogen, causing it to glow in deep reds and subtle magenta hues.
It is a bright nebula often showing sharper boundaries and brighter knots where stellar radiation is most intense. Embedded stars carve cavities and edges in the nebula, giving it a textured, layered appearance that stands out against the background of the Milky Way.
Technical Details
Telescope: William Optics Zenithstar 61ii Refractor
Auto Focus: ZWO Electronic Auto Focuser
Astronomy Camera: ZWO ASI533MC Pro
Filter: Optolong UV-IR cut filter; 300 exposures @ 60 seconds each (5 hours)
Filter: Antlia ALP-T Dual Narrowband Ha/Oiii Filter; 438 exposures @ 5 minutes each (36.5 hours)
Total Integration Time: 41.5 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 August 2024. Dark sky classification = Bright suburban sky (Bortle 6)