Sharpless 119: A Hidden Gem in Cygnus
In the vast expanse of the constellation Cygnus, lies Sharpless 119 (Sh 119), a magnificent patch of glowing gas that, while relatively close in cosmic terms, often gets overlooked. Situated approximately 2200 light-years away, Sh 119 is a mere 2-3 degrees from the more widely recognized North American Nebula and Pelican Nebula. Its proximity to these more famous celestial landmarks means Sh 119 often fades into the background, a hidden treasure waiting to be appreciated.
This particular image of Sharpless 119 showcases the intricate details of this emission nebula, brought to life through dedicated astrophotography. The capture involved a significant investment of time and effort, employing the use of the Hubble palette, a common technique in narrowband astrophotography to visualize emission nebulae.
Acquisition Details:
- Ha (Hydrogen-alpha): 17 exposures x 300 seconds
- OIII (Oxygen-III): 17 exposures x 300 seconds
- SII (Sulfur-II): 17 exposures x 300 seconds
These narrowband filters allow astronomers and astrophotographers to isolate specific wavelengths of light emitted by different elements within the nebula. The resulting data, when processed and mapped to the visible spectrum, reveals the complex structures and vibrant colors inherent to these stellar nurseries. Sharpless 119, despite its lesser-known status, offers a compelling glimpse into the energetic processes occurring in our galaxy.
