Two months past the summer solstice in late August, shortly after the new moon, I was drawn to the constellation of Vulpecula (Latin for “little fox) and an interesting area of reflection and dark nebulae that provide some good imaging possibilities.  In particular, the vast field of stars and the contrasting dark nebula which create some intriguing shapes.  

At the centre, strung out from east to west (left to right), several of the dark nebulae seem to coalesce (visually) to create the form of a black cat: LDN 773, 774, 769 & 768; an alternative interpretation is that of the Loch Ness Montser.  Further enhancing the image, the cat is adorned by two large orange stars near its head and within the ‘body’ to the right, several reflection nebula hot created by hot blue stars (VdB 126 / LBN 133 & 134 etc.). 

Moreover, above the cat’s head another group of dark nebula form what I’d describe as a furled umbrella (LDN 781, 782, 783 & 779).  Finally, towards the lower right edge of the image (below the cat’s rear leg) is the open star cluster of NGC 6793.

Apart from its obvious beauty, the inspiration for this image was my four-year old granddaughter who just loves cats – especially her own one-eyed black cat!

For further background and image details please refer to my website here: https://wordpress.com/page/watchthisspaceman.com/598