Sh2-185 is a H II region. It is centered on the massive star system Gamma Cassiopeiae (y Cas). This star system is in the northern constellation of Cassiopeia. Sh2-185 is located at a distance of approx. 10,500 Ly from the sun. The region is encapsulated in a giant hydrogen dust shell.
This H II region includes the reflection and emission nebulae IC 59 and IC 63. Both nebulae have a cometary shape, with IC 63 being the brighter of the two. The difference in appearance between the two nebulae is a consequence of their physical distance from γ Cas. IC 63 displays a well-defined ionization front, while this is lacking in IC 59. IC 63 is sometimes dubbed the Ghost Nebula, or the Ghost of Cassiopeia.
I framed this image so y Cas would not be in the frame as it is massively bright. It is located just outside the top of the frame. The direction of the massive energy is apparent in the distribution of the dust. I wanted to focus on the nebulae and the dust surrounding them.
