The Soul Nebula is about 100 light years across and has an estimated age of 1 million years. It contains several small open stars clusters. IC 1848 is embedded in the body of the nebula, while the clusters CR 34, 632 and 634 can be seen in the head. Small emission nebulae IC 1871, 670 and 669 are located just next to the Soul Nebula. The Soul Nebula is sometimes also known as the Embryo Nebula or IC 1848, which is a designation used for the open star cluster embedded within the nebula. The Heart and Soul Nebulae complex spans an area about 300 light years across and is a vast star-forming region illuminated by the light of the young stars surrounded by star-forming clouds of dust and gas. The Soul Nebula is being carved out by the stellar winds from the stars embedded within it, a process that leaves behind large pillars of material pointing inwards. These pillars are very dense and have stars forming at their tips. Each pillar spans about 10 light years.
Image taken over two clear nights 21st/22nd September 2020, a total of 9 Hours 30 minutes using Narrowband Ha/Oiii Filters. Atik460ex Camera , ED80 Scope, NEQ6 Mount. Stacked in deep Sky Stacker, Processed in Photoshop CS5
Comments