Observation by Paul Whitmarsh: IC1396A

Uploaded by

Paul Whitmarsh

Observer

Paul Whitmarsh

Observed

2026 Jul 20 - 15:05

Uploaded

2026 Jul 20 - 15:12

Objects

The Elephant Trunk (IC1396)

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Constellation

Cepheus

Field centre

RA: 21^h35^m
Dec: +57°32'
Position angle: +89°47'

Field size

1°06' × 0°43'

Equipment

152mm f7.9 Refractor
Astronomik RGB CCD filters
Astronomik Luminance
Player One Poseidon M

Exposure

300” subs, 8h 5m Luminance 2h each RGB

Location

Jasper Observatory Mileaway

Target name

IC1396A

Title

IC1396A

About this image

IC 1396A is a stunning emission nebula within the much larger IC 1396 complex in the constellation of Cepheus. The nebula is illuminated by a massive star to the east, whose intense ultraviolet radiation and stellar wind are compressing and sculpting the surrounding gas and dust. This process is thought to trigger the formation of new stars.

If you zoom in, you can see numerous dark globules, known as Bok globules, some with elongated tails that give them a tadpole-like appearance. These dense pockets of gas and dust provide ideal conditions for the birth of new stars, with several containing young stellar objects still hidden within their dusty cocoons.

Files associated with this observation

IMG_2132.jpeg (9.2 MB)

Like this image

Mike Foylan, Simon Paul Davis

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