This huge emission nebula is located in a dense star
field on the southern side of the constellation Cepheus.
The horizontal dimension of this image is about 3 1/2 degrees
across, or equivalent to 7 full moons placed side by side.
This cloud of glowing hydrogen is located about 10,000 light
years from earth.

Also visible in this image are two "planetary nebulae,"
the expelled remnants of dying stars. These show up in the image as
very bright red (and very small) objects, one in the lower right
quadrant (with the catchy designation PN A66 79), and one on the left
side just above center (fondly known as PN M 2-51). You'll be able
to see these objects better if you choose the "original" size.

Though I saw a few online references to this object
as "the lion nebula," frankly I just don't see it. Instead,
I would like to suggest a different name: "the flying owl nebula" -- with the
two dark patches at upper center serving as the eyes of the owl's
head turned toward us, and two long wings extending out and down
on both sides. I hope you see it too.

This image was published in "Astronomy" magazine, March 2017, page 71.


Image data:
Telescope: Takahashi FSQ 106
Camera: SBIG STL-11000
Exposure: 20 hours (16.5 hours hydrogen-alpha; RGB 70 minutes each)