Ced 214 and Sh2-171 together form part of the combined nebulosity known colloquially as the “Galactic Question Mark”. Other visual interpretations are, as ever, possible and a giant, “Dune like Sandworm” is one such that comes readily to mind. The nebula lies approximately 2900 ly distant within the constellation of Cepheus. The image, which was taken in Northwest Italy, is composed of hydrogen-alpha (pale blue) and sulphur-II (red-yellow) data. Whilst Italy is not a particularly dark location, the Alps and Dolomites often provide a sheltering barrier from less hospitable weather further north. As such, we often find ourselves on the road somewhere in Italy and this particular location, north of La Spezia, a car park at 1400m on a minor side road, meet our needs perfectly.
Celestron RASA 11″
10Micron GM1000 HPS
SIGMA fp (monochrome) / SIGMA fp L (colour)
H-alpha / S-II ultra-fast narrowband filters
ca. 3 hrs, ISO 1600, F2.2, 620mm