Sh2-155, better known as the Cave Nebula, is a faint emission nebula located in the constellation Cepheus. It forms part of a much larger complex of glowing hydrogen gas, reflection nebulae, and dark interstellar dust clouds. This active star-forming region lies approximately 2,400 light-years from Earth.
The popular name "Cave Nebula" was introduced by Sir Patrick Moore in his Caldwell catalogue. It refers to the prominent dark cavity outlined by a curved arc of glowing hydrogen, which resembles the entrance to a cave in long-exposure astrophotographs.
I captured this remarkable nebula during 12 nights between May and June 2026 from my balcony under Bortle 7 skies (red-zone light pollution).
Gear used:
- Stellarvue SV102ED with William Optics 0.8x focal reducer (effective focal length 570 mm, f/5.6)
- Atik 428EX Color camera with Baader Planetarium UV/IR-cut filter
- QHY mini guide scope + QHY5L-II guide camera
- Celestron CG-5 mount with EQStar system
Acquisition details:
- 218 × 300-second exposures, ~18 hours total
- Sensor cooled to -10°C
While the telescope was collecting photons from the Cave Nebula, I managed to spend quite a few hours exploring The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Looking at the finished image afterwards, I couldn't help but think there was only one thing missing: a quest marker above the cave entrance.
Comments
Post a Comment