© 2022 Michael A. Siniscalchi
SH2-132
Emission Nebula in Cepheus
RA:22h 14m 48s Dec: +55 47' 54" Distance - ~12,000 ly Size ~250 ly
Sh2-132, also known as the Lion nebula, is located in the constellation Cepheus. Its distance is estimated to be 10,000-12,000 light-years away and has a size of approximately 250 light years. This is a complex molecular structure with regions of strong ionized gasses of hyodrogen (Ha), oxygen (OIII)and sulphur (SII) plus areas of thick dust which forms several dark nebulas. Starting with the head of the lion at the upper left, this is an area of strong hydrogen emissions (green hues) and sulphur emissions. The golden hues are a combination of hydrogen + sulphur emissions. The golden tail can be seen running down the lions back and turning upwards at the rear. Within the lions head are Wolf-Rayet stars - WR 153ab (HD 211564 and HD 211853). WR153ab are large, bight hot stars with strong solar winds. These strong winds help trigger the formation of additioanl star clusters.
The lower body has strong oxygen (OIII) emissions as shown in blue hues.
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This is the 6-panel composite initial stretch of SH2-132 in Oxygen (OIII). Each panel is 90 minutes total exposure.
The stars were removed to apply non-linear stretching and develope the structure more.
This is the 6-panel composite initial stretch of SH2-132 in Sulphur (SII). Each panel is 90 minutes total exposure.
The stars were removed to apply non-linear stretching and develope the structure more.
This is the 6-panel composite initial stretch of SH2-132 in Hydrogen alpha (Ha). Each panel is 120 minutes total exposure.