- H480 minutes (55 frames)
- S430 minutes (43 frames)
- O470 minutes (47 frames)
The Heart Nebula (IC 1805) is a giant emission nebula located in the constellation Cassiopeia at a distance of about 7,500 light-years from Earth. Its central part, shown in the image, has a shape resembling a human heart, which explains its name. The nebula occupies a space of about 2.5 degrees on the sky, which makes it one of the largest objects of its class.
Structure and composition
The nebula consists of ionized hydrogen, as well as oxygen and sulfur molecules, which give it rich red, blue and orange hues. At the center of the nebula are young stars from the open cluster Melotte 15. These stars are enormous in size, some of them 50 times more massive than the Sun. Their powerful radiation and stellar wind destroy gas and dust pillars, creating amazing visual effects.
Stars and microquasar
The Heart Nebula is an object where active star formation processes are taking place. The open cluster contains not only bright stars, but also faint stars with masses smaller than the Sun. Several million years ago, a microquasar was ejected in this area, which continues to be studied by astronomers.
Observation methods and photography
The photograph of the Heart Nebula was taken at our observatory with a 7-hour exposure. For shooting, narrow-band filters were used, which pass certain spectra of hydrogen, oxygen and sulfur radiation. The result was collected in the Hubble palette, which allows us to accurately convey all the details of the nebula's structure.
Unique Features
The Heart Nebula covers an area of the sky four times larger than the diameter of the full Moon, and is one of the brightest objects observed with amateur telescopes. Despite its large area, parts of the nebula, such as Melotte 15 and the Fish Head Nebula, are particularly bright, while other parts remain dim.
Conclusion
The Heart Nebula (IC 1805) is a spectacular star-forming object in the constellation Cassiopeia. Studying it allows us to better understand star formation in our Galaxy and beyond, and expands our knowledge of cosmic processes in general.
| Photo | Date | Frames | Exposure | H | O | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 31 May 2021 | 51 | 08:30 | 03:30 | 02:50 | 02:10 |
 | 22 Jan 2021 | 51 | 08:30 | 03:30 | 02:50 | 02:10 |
 | 17 Dec 2020 | 46 | 07:40 | 03:20 | 02:40 | 01:40 |
 | 05 Nov 2020 | 51 | 08:30 | 03:30 | 02:50 | 02:10 |
 | 09 Oct 2020 | 64 | 05:20 | 02:10 | 01:30 | 01:40 |
Visibility chart of Heart Nebula (IC 1805) during the day
| Date | Moon Phase | Exposure | CCD Temperature | Gain | Offset | Filter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
- 2023ixf•
- 40 Eri•
- Abell 74•
- Artemis A868 SA•
- a Canis Minoris•
- C 2020 R4 ATLAS•
- C 2020 T2 Palomar•
- C 2021 S3 (PANSTARRS)•
- Haumea (2003 EL61)•
- HCG 68•
- HCG 92•
- IC 1318B•
- IC 1396•
- IC 1795•
- IC 1805•
- IC 1848•
- IC 1871•
- IC 3322A•
- IC 342•
- IC 4015•
- IC 405•
- IC 417•
- IC 434•
- IC 443•
- IC 4703•
- IC 5070•
- IC 5146•
- IC 63•
- M 1•
- M 101•
- M 103•
- M 109•
- M 13•
- M 15•
- M 27•
- M 3•
- M 33•
- M 42•
- M 45•
- M 5•
- M 51•
- M 57•
- M 63•
- M 64•
- M 74•
- M 76•
- M 81•
- M 82•
- M 86•
- M 87•
- M 94•
- M 97•
- NGC 147•
- NGC 1491•
- NGC 1499•
- NGC 1579•
- NGC 1961•
- NGC 2146•
- NGC 2239•
- NGC 2403•
- NGC 281•
- NGC 4236•
- NGC 4565•
- NGC 4631•
- NGC 507•
- NGC 508•
- NGC 5866•
- NGC 5907•
- NGC 6503•
- NGC 6823•
- NGC 6888•
- NGC 6946•
- NGC 6992•
- NGC 6995•
- NGC 7000•
- NGC 7023•
- NGC 7129•
- NGC 7217•
- NGC 7331•
- NGC 7380•
- NGC 7538•
- NGC 7635•
- NGC 7640•
- NGC 7822•
- NGC 891•
- NGC 896•
- NGC 925•
- PGC 54559•
- Sh2-155•
- Sh2-168•
- Sh2 103•
- Sh2 109•
- Sh2 132•
- T CrB•
- UGC 6930•
- V1405 Cas•
- Vesta A807 FA•