The Cat’s Paw Nebula (NGC 6334) is a bright emission nebula located in the constellation Scorpius (up right). Its distinctive shape resembles a cat’s paw, with regions of glowing gas and dark dust lanes. This star-forming region is rich in massive, young stars, and its reddish color comes from the ionization of hydrogen gas by intense ultraviolet radiation from these stars.
The Prawn Nebula (IC 4628), also in Scorpius (bottom left), is another emission nebula and star-forming region. It is often overlooked due to its faintness but is a beautiful expanse of glowing gas and dust, with an orange or pinkish hue in images. The nebula is lit by nearby hot, young stars and spans about 250 light-years, making it a large but relatively faint target for observers.
Both nebulae are stunning examples of stellar nurseries, offering insights into star formation and cosmic evolution.
Telescope | Askar ACL 200 F4 |
Aperture | 50 mm |
Focal length | 200 mm |
Mount | iOptron HEM15 |
Autoguiding | ZWO ASI485MC, QHY Mini Guide Scope |
Camera | ZWO 6200MC @0°C |
Filters | none |
Exposure | 77x3000s, Gain 100, bin 1×1, |
Date | 2024-10-03 |