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The Cave Nebula, cataloged as Sharpless 2-155, is a striking emission nebula located about 2,400 light-years away in the constellation Cepheus. Carved into the edge of a vast molecular cloud, its name comes from the dark, cave-like cavity etched into the glowing hydrogen gas—a dramatic contrast between luminous reds and inky black dust.
This nebula is an active star-forming region, energized primarily by the hot, young star HD 217086. Intense ultraviolet radiation from this star ionizes the surrounding hydrogen, causing it to glow, while powerful stellar winds sculpt pillars, ridges, and dense knots of dust that appear to intrude into the bright nebula like rocky outcroppings.
Within and around the Cave Nebula lie newborn stars still embedded in their natal clouds, hidden from visible light but revealed in infrared observations. The interplay of light and shadow makes SH2-155 a favorite target for astrophotographers, showcasing the dynamic processes of stellar birth and the ongoing erosion of interstellar clouds by massive stars.
Set against the rich Milky Way background of Cepheus, the Cave Nebula offers a vivid glimpse into the complex and ever-changing environments where stars are born.
Technical Details
Telescope: Sky-Watcher Esprit 100ED Refractor
Auto Focus: ZWO Electronic Auto Focuser
Astronomy Camera: ZWO ASI071MC Pro
Filter: Optolong UV-IR cut filter; 240 exposures @ 60 seconds each (4 hours)
Filter: Optolong Lenhance Dual Narrowband Ha/Oiii Filter; 204 exposures @ 5 minutes each (17 hours)
Total Integration Time: 21 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 November 2021. Dark sky classification = Bright suburban sky (Bortle 6)