Elephant Trunk Nebula - SHO

Dark globule in IC 1396 emission nebula in Cepheus

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Deep Space Capture

Technical Specifications

Resolution: 3912x4200

Integration: 150 subexposures × 300s, 12.5 hours total

Captured: August 10, 2022

Equipment: William Optics Redcat 71 with ZWO ASI2600MM Pro camera on Advanced VX mount

Location: Backyard location during 96.35% moon phase

Processing Workflow

Total integration time: 12.5 hours

ZWO 7nm Ha, OIII, and SII filters

SHO color mapping for enhanced contrast

ZWO ASIAIR Plus automated control

Captured during nearly full moon

Scientific Context

The Elephant Trunk Nebula is a concentration of interstellar gas and dust within the larger IC 1396 emission nebula complex in the constellation Cepheus. The "trunk" is a dark globule - a dense cloud of gas and dust that appears dark against the bright emission nebula behind it.

These structures are stellar nurseries where new stars may eventually form as the dense material gravitationally collapses. The bright rim of the globule is illuminated and ionized by nearby hot stars, creating the characteristic glow seen in this SHO image.