Heart Nebula

Artist: Jon Stewart

The Heart Nebula, scientifically cataloged as IC 1805, is a vast emission nebula located approximately 7,500 light-years away in the constellation Cassiopeia. At its core lies the young open star cluster Melotte 15, where massive stars generate intense radiation and stellar winds that sculpt the surrounding clouds of glowing hydrogen gas and dark dust. Its distinctive heart-like silhouette and intricate structures make it one of the most iconic deep-sky targets for astrophotographers seeking to capture the beauty of the Perseus Spiral Arm.
This photo is a stacked combination of 30 x 5 minute exposures taken taken with the equivalent of a 250mm camera lens.