IC 5146: The Cocoon Nebula

Click on image for larger version.

The Cocoon Nebula is made up of the open cluster IC5146 and surrounded by nebulosity of mostly Hydrogen gas. The nebula is located at the end of a long dark nebule B168. The cluster is made up of mostly 12th magnitude stars.

Equipment

20in RC Optical Systems telescope operating at f/8.4
Paramount ME Robotic Telescope Mount
SBIG ST10XME CCD camera with color filter wheel

L(Ha) R G B color production was used to create this image.

Luminance = 90 minutes (unfiltered) + 135 minutes (Ha) binned 1x1
 Red = 40 minutes binned 2x2
 Green = 40 minutes binned 2x2
 Blue = 40 minutes binned 2x2
  • The luminance is a blend of standard clear data with Ha data.
  • No sharpening in order to keep the background relatively smooth (it is a rather smooth nebula).
  • Color data was taken during poor seeing (>3").

    • Minimum credit line: Julie and Jessica Garcia/Adam Block/NOAO/AURA/NSF

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    Updated: 06/10/2004