Sh2-86, also cataloged as Sharpless 86, is a vibrant and complex emission nebula situated in the constellation Vulpecula, approximately 6,000 light-years from Earth. This nebula is a stellar nursery, where young stars are born amidst a rich tapestry of interstellar gas and dust. It forms part of a larger star-forming region known as the Vulpecula OB1 association, which is dominated by massive, hot stars whose radiation sculpts the surrounding clouds into intricate shapes.
At the heart of Sh2-86 lies the open star cluster NGC 6823, a young assembly of stars only a few million years old. This cluster is home to several massive O and B-type stars, whose intense ultraviolet radiation ionizes the surrounding hydrogen gas. This ionization process causes the gas to emit light, making the nebula glow brightly in visible wavelengths. The nebula is classified as an H II region, a type of cloud where active star formation is taking place, and its light is characterized by the red glow typical of ionized hydrogen.
Sh2-86 displays a complex morphology, with a mix of bright emission regions, dark dust lanes, and filamentary structures. These features are the result of dynamic interactions between the radiation from young stars and the surrounding material. In some areas, the radiation pressure from these stars has cleared out cavities in the nebula, while in others, it has compressed the gas and dust into dense clumps, triggering new waves of star formation.
The region is also rich in protostellar jets, narrow streams of gas ejected from the poles of young stars. These jets interact with the surrounding nebular material, creating shock waves and adding to the nebula’s intricate and dynamic appearance.
Sh2-86 is further characterized by the presence of dark globules, known as Bok globules, which are small, dense clouds of gas and dust. These globules are potential sites of future star formation, representing the earliest stages of stellar evolution. Their dark silhouettes stand out against the bright background of the nebula, highlighting the interplay between light and shadow in this region.
The entire region around Sh2-86 is filled with nebulosity, including both emission and reflection nebulae. These nebulae often overlap or blend into one another, creating a visually striking and complex field of view that is rich in astrophysical phenomena.
Celestron RASA11
10Micron GM1000 HPS
SIGMA fp L (monochrome)
H-alpha, S-II and O-III ultra-fast narrowband filters
4,3 hrs, ISO 400, F2.2, 620mm