SH2-140 is a nebula and open cluster in the northern constellation Cepheus. This rarely photographed area is the central highlight of a much larger nebula where only smaller instruments can show it in its full glory. In this dramatic view, the dark nebula on the upper left has swept in and has diminished all but the brightest stars. The nebula shows intense activity, giving birth to young blue stars. Located about 3,000 light years away, it casts its faint ancient light for u

Barnard 174 is a dark nebula in the constellation Cepheus. Dark nebulae or "fog" as it is sometimes called are clouds of cool gas, at temperatures close to absolute zero (-273C), located at cold dense areas of larger molecular clouds. Their thickness obstructs the visible spectrum of stars or whatever happens to be in its path. Only infrared and x-ray observations can be made through the fog. The dark color is due to microscopic dust particles coated with frozen carbon monoxi

The Trifid nebula is a combination of bright emission, reflection, and dark nebula located in the constellation of Sagittarius. It is estimated to be around 5,000 light years distant. This is reprocessed data from July 2017. Technical specifications: Astrotech 12'' RC Camera: QHY9M CCD Filters: Orion 2'' LRGB Mount: AP900 GTO Guiding: Meade DSI Pro II Focus: Robofocus Software: CCD Commander, Maxim DL, FocusMax 3, Photoshop CC 2018, Pixinsight 1.8.5 Date: 16-18 July, 2017 Ex