StormEffects
Nightscapes & Deep Sky Colors
Astrophotography © Brian A. Morganti
IC 1396A- Elephant's Trunk Nebula
Nebula Complex
Cepheus
IC 1396A is the Elephant's Trunk nebula. It is located inside of the much larger IC 1396 nebula in Cepheus. IC 1396A is a Bright Rimmed Cloud that is seen at left center in the image. It is composed of dust and gas sculpted by hot winds and particles coming from young massive stars in open cluster Trumpler 37. More than 250 young stars are thought to be forming in and around IC 1396A. The Elephant's Trunk is located 3,000 light-years away and is 20 light-years long. Pockets of cool dust and gas inside these clouds provide material for star birth. Young protostars are hidden in the dust of this dark comet like complex. A small blue reflection nebula, Van den Bergh 142, can also be seen near the center of the head of IC 1396A. North is up in this image. IMAGE DETAILS:
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Astrophotography - Nightscapes & Deep Sky Colors