Emission Nebula and Open Star Cluster located in the constellation of Auriga. Below the star cluster,
near the 7 o'clock position in this view are two relatively dense streamers of material trailing away from the nebula's central regions.
Potentially sites of ongoing star formation, these cosmic tadpole shapes are about 10 light-years long.

H-alpha+RGB Image combined from 2 Imaging Systems

Ha data taken with BRC-250 on 25 December 2011 from Newbury Park, California
RGB data taken with LX200R on 27 December 2011 from Lockwood Valley, California
Ha = 90 minutes 1x binned, 15 minute sub-exposures
R = 60 mins 2x binned, 15 minute sub-exposures
G = 45 mins 2x binned, 15 minute sub-exposures
B = 60 mins 2x binned, 15 minute sub-exposures

For the H-alpha version of this image, click on this link: http://www.pbase.com/rjfletch/image/140561788/large