SH2-96: Unveiling the Scarlet Letter Nebula
Prepare to be mesmerized by SH2-96, an incredibly faint emission nebula nestled within the constellation of Cygnus. This celestial wonder, aptly nicknamed the "Scarlet Letter Nebula," presents a striking visual parallel to Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic novel, featuring a prominent capital 'A' formed from brilliant red hydrogen-alpha emissions.
Beyond its iconic letter shape, SH2-96 is also referred to by the evocative moniker "Fire and Water." The fiery red hues of the 'A' are juxtaposed with delicate wisps of blue nebulosity, creating a truly captivating contrast. The brighter, more prominent section of the capital 'A' is also recognized in astronomical catalogs as Lynds Bright Nebula (LBN) 066.
Capturing such a faint object is a testament to modern astrophotography techniques and the dedication of imagers. Even with an impressive total integration time of over 41 hours, the resulting image, while breathtaking, still carries a delightful touch of noise, a reminder of the challenges and triumphs in capturing such elusive celestial phenomena. The tools and processing power available today are truly invaluable in bringing these hidden gems to light.
Technical Details:
- Total Integration: 41 hours 24 minutes
- Telescope: Stellarvue SVX102T and Flattener
- Camera: ZWO ASI533MM
- Mount: ZWO AM5
- Autoguiding: ZWO EAF, EFW, ASI220 guide cam, William Optics Uniguide 50mm
- Filters: Chroma 3nm Ha, OII, R, G, B
For a higher resolution view of this stunning image, please visit:
