NGC 7822/Ced 214 is part of a vast expanse of emission near the border between Cepheus and Cassiopeia. The nebula is set aglow by the small cluster of stars to the bottom left; Berkeley 59. One star in particular, BD+66 1673 which is a short distance above and a bit to the right of Berkeley 59, is contributing to the radiation that illuminates the interstellar gas and forms the pillars and shock fronts visible in the nebula. This magnitude 10 star has a surface temperature of nearly 45,000 C (80,000 F) and is about 100,000 times brighter than the sun! If you look closely at each of the pillars and shock fronts they all point towards Berkeley 59 and BD+66 1673.
This version of the image consists of 32 frames at 240secs; 100g; 20 offset for 2 hrs 8 mins of exposure. This was my first light on this target. I look forward to gathering more time this winter under clearer, less humid skies.
Here’s a starless version for fun. What do you think? Let me know in the comments!
Until next time,
Cheers
