The Soul Nebula

Added 1644182533 by Roger More.

This is the Heart Nebula is the Soul Nebula, or Sh2-199. This is a large emission nebula in the constellation Cassiopeia about 6500 light years away. It is a prolific star forming area with many new stars forming in the complex clouds and pillars of gases.

Oxygen-rich areas in the centre show up as blue, while areas with predominantly hydrogen and sulphur show up as reds and oranges. Vast pillars of gases are evident around the inner wall of the hydrogen rich areas. These are formed by pressure from the intense UV light emanating from the young, bright star clusters eroding, compressing and sculpting the gases into these shapes, which all point back towards the source of the solar wind. These areas in turn become star forming regions.

This image was created by capturing 68 images of 10 minute or 20 minute duration and stacking and processing them to reveal the beauty of this nebula. 15.5 hours of imaging in total.