The Seagull Nebula: IC 2177 in Monoceros

The Seagull Nebula: IC 2177 in Monoceros

This nebula forms the “wings” of an area of sky known as the Seagull Nebula—named for its resemblance to a gull in flight. This celestial bird contains a fascinating mix of intriguing astronomical objects. Glowing clouds weave amid dark dust lanes and bright stars. The Seagull Nebula—made up of dust, hydrogen, helium, and traces of heavier elements—is the hot and energetic birthplace of new stars. It is located in the constellation of the Big Dog (Canis Major) at an estimated ~3,700 light-year distance. This cloud of gas, also known as Sh 2-292, RCW 2, and Gum 1, seems to form the head of the seagull and glows brightly due to the energetic radiation from a very hot young star lurking at its heart.

Astrophotographer Ian Inverarity: "IC 2177—the Seagull Nebula! A 2 panel mosaic taken over 4 nights after Christmas, over 22 hours! Takahashi FSQ106N telescope, QHY268M camera, Astronomik R, G and B filters, Warp Astron WD-20 EQ mount controlled by PHD2 and NINA. Processing with Astro Pixel Processor and Photoshop."

Image Credit: Ian Inverarity

Capture Location: Australia
Release Date: Dec. 29, 2024

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