IC 1396 + Giacomo Pro + L-eXtreme f2

IC 1396 

Credit: Giacomo Pro (Italy)

Filter: Optolong L-eXtreme f2

 

 

 

IC 1396
This is a very sparse open cluster associated with a vast diffuse nebula, visible in the boreal constellation of Cepheus; it is located in a section of the Milky Way partially obscured by dense banks of dark nebulae, in a galactic region rich in dust and neutral gas with associated young and hot stars, and is about 3000 light-years away from the Sun.
Its position is easily discernible, immediately south of the star μ Cephei, one of the reddest stars known. What is clearly visible in long exposure photos is the large nebula complex that surrounds the cluster; its appearance is roughly circular and criss-crossed by numerous dark spots, which on closer inspection turn out to be Bok globules, i.e. particularly concentrated regions of the nebula where new star formation takes place. The globules also include a particular dark nebula that overlaps the object, vdB 142, known as the Elephant Proboscis.

 

 

Light 102 x 300" filter: Optolong Astronomy Filter L-eXtreme F2
Camera: Asi 294 mc pro 
Telescope: Samyang 135mm @F2
Guide camera: Asi 120 mini
Guide scope: 60 - 320 mm
Mount: Skywatcher Eq 6-r Pro
Acquisition: Asiair Plus
Software: DSS - Pixinsight - Photoshop
Shots: 03-14/6/2024 
Location: Torricella (TA) ITALY
Average moon phase: 32.5%
Author: PRO' GIACOMO.