This is the planetary nebula designated NGC 7139 located in the constellation Cepheus.
Observation data: J2000 epoch
Right ascension: 21h 46m 08.586s
Declination: +63° 47′ 29.45″
Apparent magnitude (V): 13
Constellation Cepheus
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 81 x 60 second exposures, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: August 25, 2024. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
As the name implies, this reflection nebula associated with the star Rigel looks suspiciously like a fairytale crone. Formally known as IC 2118 in the constellation Orion, the Witch Head Nebula glows primarily by light reflected from the star. The color of this very blue nebula is caused not only by blue color of its star, but also because the dust grains reflect blue light more efficiently than red. A similar physical process causes Earth’s daytime sky to appear blue. (ref: NASA)
Tech Specs: William Optics REDCAT 51 Telescope, ZWO ASI071MC camera running at -10F, just over 7 hours of collected data using 60 second exposures, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro mount, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in PixInsight. Image Date: February 5 and 6, 2024. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
Here is a collage of eclipse images taken in Erie, Pennsylvania on April 8, 2024. A mix of images using a Redcat telescope and Canon 6D camera. Probably the most awe inspiring thing I have ever witnessed. If you get a chace to experience something like this, put the camera down and absorb it, you will not regret it.