SH 2-235 is a nebula located in the constellation Auriga, around 6,000 light-years from Earth. It is a star-forming region, which means that it contains clouds of gas and dust where new stars are being born. This nebula is part of a larger complex of star-forming regions, including other nearby nebulae like SH 2-231, SH 2-232, and SH 2-233.
SH 2-235 is particularly interesting because of the intense activity happening within it. The bright area of the nebula is lit up by young, hot stars that emit ultraviolet light, causing the surrounding hydrogen gas to glow. This process makes the nebula visible in the sky as a reddish or pinkish glow when observed with telescopes sensitive to infrared or optical wavelengths.
Within SH 2-235, dense clumps of gas collapse under their own gravity to form protostars, the earliest stages of star development. Some of these protostars are surrounded by disks of material that could eventually form planets, much like how our solar system formed. Researchers study SH 2-235 to better understand how stars and planetary systems develop, offering insights into the origins of stars like our Sun.
This nebula’s location in a busy star-forming region makes it a key target for astronomers. Observing it helps scientists learn about the life cycle of stars and the conditions that lead to their formation. By studying the processes within SH 2-235, astronomers gain a clearer picture of the dynamic environments where stars are born and the complex interactions between gas, dust, and young stars.
Capture Details:
Telescope: Celestron Nexstar 8se
Reducer/Flattener: Celestron .63x Reducer/Flattener
Filter: Optolong L-Pro Optolong L-Extreme
Camera: ZWO ASI294 MC Pro
Mount: Skywatcher EQM-35 Pro
Total Time: 11 hrs 17 minutes
Capture Software: N.I.N.A.
Guiding: PHD2, ZWO asi120mm mini, ZWO OAG-L
Processed in: PixInsight
Additional details on Astrobin.com.