SUNSET: 
0
Photographer:
Mark Germani
Location of Photo:
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Date/Time of photo:
25 Nov 2023, 7 Dec 2023, 22 Dec 2023
Equipment:
William Optics ZenithStar 61, ZWO ASI533MC-Pro, iOptron CEM26, Optolong L-eXtreme & L-Pro
Description:
This image of the Soul Nebula (IC 1848) is a 2-panel mosaic that I imaged over several nights in November & December 2023. The designation IC 1848 actually refers to the star cluster in the centre of the Soul Nebula, itself known as Westerhout 5. Denser areas of gas in this region have compressed to form stars, the radiation and stellar winds from these stars push gas into forming new regions of greater density, which in turn forms more new stars, and this process is believed to have been happening for many generations of stars at this point. The characteristic pillars on the edges of the nebula pointing inwards are areas of greater density, the less dense areas having been eroded by ultraviolet light from IC 1848. They are approximately 10 light years tall, and have stars forming at their tips!
