Sharpless 2-115/116: A Cosmic Canvas in Cygnus
Last night, while scanning the depths of our Milky Way, a celestial gem caught my eye – the intricate dance of gases and dust that makes up Sharpless 2-115 and its companion, Sharpless 2-116.
Located in the rich constellation of Cygnus, near the illustrious star Deneb, these nebulae are a testament to the ongoing processes of stellar birth and evolution within our galaxy. Sh2-115, a vast and subtle nebula, stretches across a significant portion of the sky, its faint glow hinting at the immense structures hidden within. Beside it, Sh2-116, initially mistaken for a solitary planetary nebula, presents as a more concentrated, round patch of luminous gas, adding another layer of wonder to this celestial pairing. The resemblance has even been noted by fellow stargazers, with one describing it as looking like a "Space Bat"!
This breathtaking image was brought to life through a dedicated effort, combining advanced equipment and meticulous processing:
- Telescope: William Optics GT81 MkII
- Imaging Camera: ZWO 1600mm Pro
- Guide Scope: William Optics 50mm
- Guide Camera: ZWO 120mm Mini
- Mount: HEQ5 Pro w/ belt mod
- Capture Software: ASIAIR Pro
- Database: Sky Safari Pro Deepsky
- Processing Software: Pixinsight
The integration time for this capture totaled 3.5 hours, with specific exposures for Hydrogen (35x120s), Sulfur (35x120s), and Oxygen (35x120s) to reveal the vibrant emission lines. RGB stars were captured at 10x10s, and a comprehensive set of calibration frames (30x Flat, 30x Dark, 30x Flat/Dark) were used. The capture was performed under Bortle 8 skies with a gain of 200.
The sheer scale and detail captured here remind us of the vastness and complexity of the universe. It's truly remarkable to consider how much is out there, waiting to be discovered and admired.
