Cocoon Nebula (IC 5146)
This beautiful nebula in Cygnus is a mix of emission (red) and reflection
(blue) nebulae, all powered by the intensely bright star at the center.
The dark nebula leading away from the Cocoon is called B168, and is part of
the same molecular cloud.
Visually, the Cocoon is a challenge, requiring large apertures. It responds
well to an H-Beta filter. In dark skies, B168 is fairly easy in binoculars.
Takahashi Sky 90 at f/4.5
SBIG STL-4020M (self-guided)
Takahashi EM-200
Hutech LPS Filter
Luminance: 1h40m (5 minute subexposures)
RGB: 50 minutes each channel (5 minute subexposures)
Processed in Maxim/DL and Photoshop
Noel Carboni's Astronomy Tools Actions