NGC 7380 - Cepheus

NGC7380 - Wizard nebula - en la IA

NGC 7380 is an open cluster of stars located in the constellation Cepheus, embedded within a large emission nebula known as the Wizard Nebula. Here's a breakdown of what's interesting about it:

• Name and Designation: NGC 7380, also known as Sharpless 142

• Type: Open Cluster and Emission Nebula

• Location: Constellation Cepheus

• Distance: Approximately 7,000 light-years from Earth.

• Discovery: Discovered by Caroline Herschel in 1787.

• Wizard Nebula: The emission nebula surrounding the star cluster is called the Wizard Nebula because its overall shape resembles a wizard or hooded figure in many images. This nebula is a region of active star formation.

• Star Formation: The nebula contains molecular clouds where new stars are born. The radiation from the young, hot stars in the cluster ionizes the surrounding gas, causing it to glow brightly.

• Appearance: In visible light images, NGC 7380 shows intricate structures and patterns of gas and dust, sculpted by the radiation and stellar winds from the cluster's stars.

• Observations: It's a popular target for astrophotographers due to its striking appearance. Different filters (especially narrowband filters that isolate specific wavelengths of light emitted by gases like hydrogen, oxygen, and sulfur) are often used to reveal the nebula's details.

• Size: The nebula spans a considerable area, several times the size of the full Moon in the sky.

In summary, NGC 7380/the Wizard Nebula is a beautiful and dynamic region where stars are being born, shaped by the forces of radiation and stellar winds.