Another of the Sharpless catalog objects is Sh2-119. It is also known as the Clamshell Nebula. This nebula is a large emission nebula in the constellation Cygnus. It is an active star-forming region located approximately 2,200 light-years from Earth.
Its shape has been described as resembling an open clam shell with a “pearl” inside. The nebula glows due to the intense ultraviolet radiation. Powerful stellar winds come from the bright, fifth-magnitude star 68 Cygni. The star is located near the center. These winds also cause the nebula to glow. This radiation ionizes the surrounding hydrogen gas, causing it to emit light. This image is of the core of the clamshell with 68 Cygni at the center.
The region contains a complex network of gas and dust clouds. This network includes several darker nebulae and Bok globules where new stars are forming. Sh2-119 is situated a few degrees east of the more famous and brighter North America Nebula (NGC 7000). Astro photographers often overlook it because of its proximity to the Pelican Nebula.
APT was used for session management and automation acquiring 123 4 minute images over two nights. Cygnus passes meridian right at dark here in the hills of WNC. PixInsight was used to calibrate, integrate, and process the image.
Astrobin link for acquisition details and annotated image.
