SH 2-170, also known as the Little Rosette Nebula, is a striking emission nebula located in the constellation Cassiopeia, around 7,500 light-years away from Earth. It is part of the Sharpless catalog, which lists over 300 emission nebulae—clouds of ionized gas that emit light. SH 2-170 earns its nickname, “Little Rosette,” because it resembles the larger and more famous Rosette Nebula.
This nebula is shaped by a cluster of hot, young stars at its center, known as Berkeley 59. These stars emit strong ultraviolet radiation that energizes the surrounding hydrogen gas, causing it to glow in shades of red, which is typical for emission nebulae. The radiation and stellar winds from these stars carve out the nebula’s bubble-like structure.
SH 2-170 nebula is relatively small in size compared to other well-known nebulae, spanning about 15 light-years across. However, it offers a glimpse into the life cycle of stars, where gas clouds collapse to form new stars, which in turn influence the surrounding region through their radiation.
Studying SH 2-170 helps astronomers understand how young stars interact with their environment and how they impact star formation. Its visual beauty and active star-forming regions make it a target for both professional and amateur astronomers seeking to explore the dynamics of space.
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: 16 hours 59 minutes
Capture Software: N.I.N.A.
Guiding: PHD2, ZWO asi120mm mini, ZWO OAG-L
Processed in: PixInsight
Additional details on Astrobin.com.