NGC 2359, otherwise known as Thor’s Helmet, is a small emission nebula in the constellation of Canis Major. The central Wolf-Rayet star WR7, is responsible for the ionisation of the nebula. It is approximately 11960 light-years from Earth. Interactions with a nearby large molecular cloud are thought to have contributed to the complex shape and curved bow-shock structure of Thor’s Helmet. The image was completed using data from a remote hosting facility in Chile.
Planwave CDK17
Software Bisque Paramount ME
SBIG STXL11002 (with AO)
L,R,G,B, H-alpha, S-II and O-III filters
ca. 50 hrs, Gain 0/2750, F6.8, 2939mm