Wizard Nebula

With some imagination it is possible to see a rather forlorn wizard looking west. At the center of the nebulous Hα region (Sh2-142) is the star cluster NGC 7380 discovered by astronomer William Herschel's sister and assistant, Carolyn. The cluster contains a binary system comprised of 2 massive O-type stars that are energizing the nebula while clearing the area of dust and gas. It lies 8,500 light years in the constellation of Cepheus the king. The fainter nebula to the southeast (bottom left) is classified as Sh2-143. On its righthand edge is the deep ruby red star 2MASS J22484277+5744593 which is a Carbon star candidate. Try to find it! See also KISO C6-60.

The nebula is extremely faint but was captured without filters under Eustis' exceptionally dark skies. The image is 1.46°×1.10° and represents a total 3^h50^m exposure taken on December 6^th and 7^th, 2023 through a 5 inch telescope from Eustis Ridge. Nebulosity and stars were processed separately before being combined into the final image.