North America Nebula - SHO

Large emission nebula in Cygnus resembling North America

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Deep Space Capture

Technical Specifications

Resolution: 10945x8209

Integration: 150 subexposures × 300s, 12.5 hours total

Captured: August 22, 2022

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

Location: Backyard location during 20.44% moon phase

Processing Workflow

Total integration time: 12.5 hours

ZWO 7nm Ha, OIII, and SII filters

SHO color mapping for emission line contrast

Wide-field capture showing full nebula extent

ZWO ASIAIR Plus automated control

Scientific Context

The North America Nebula (NGC 7000) is a large emission nebula in the constellation Cygnus that bears a striking resemblance to the continent of North America. Located approximately 2,000 light-years from Earth, this nebula spans about 4 times the diameter of the full moon.

The nebula's distinctive shape is created by a large dust cloud that blocks part of the nebula from our view, creating the "Atlantic Ocean" and "Gulf of Mexico" dark regions. The bright emission comes from hydrogen gas ionized by nearby hot stars.