Dolphin-Head Nebula / Sh2 308

The Dolphin-Head Nebula, designated as Sh2-308, is a strikingly ethereal emission nebula located approximately 4,500 light-years away in the constellation Canis Major. Its distinctive shape, reminiscent of a dolphin’s head, arises from the interaction of intense stellar winds and surrounding interstellar material. At its core lies the massive Wolf-Rayet star EZ Canis Majoris (WR 6), a highly evolved and energetic star that is nearing the end of its life cycle.

This nebula spans about 60 light-years across, with its bubble-like structure created by the powerful winds from the Wolf-Rayet star carving into the surrounding gas over tens of thousands of years. Sh2-308’s delicate appearance is marked by a faint, ghostly blue glow, primarily emitted by ionized oxygen atoms excited by ultraviolet radiation from the central star. Beneath this “delicate” outer veil is a highly structured shell of ionised hydrogen gas. The nebula’s tenuous shell-like structures contrasts sharply with the star-studded backdrop, giving it an otherworldly beauty.

The image marks first light for a new telescope in our portfolio and was taken on location on the Hakos Guest Farm, Namibia.