- H240 minutes (48 frames)
The California Nebula (NGC 1499), also known as Sh2-220, is an emission nebula located in the constellation Perseus. The nebula gets its name from its resemblance to the outline of the state of California in long exposure photographs. The nebula spans nearly 2.5° across the celestial sphere, and its very low surface brightness makes it extremely difficult to observe visually. However, it can be observed with an Hα filter (isolates the Hα line at 656 nm) or an Hβ filter (isolates the Hβ line at 486 nm) in a wide-field telescope, although dark skies are required. The nebula is approximately 1,000 light-years distant from Earth. Its fluorescence is caused by the excitation of the Hβ line in the nebula by an energetic O7 star, Xi Persei (also known as Menkib).
Discovery and Study
The nebula was discovered by Edward Emerson Barnard in 1884. Coincidentally, it transits the zenith in Central California, as its declination coincides with the latitude of that region.
Characteristics
The California Nebula has an apparent magnitude of 6.0, and although it is quite large, its surface brightness is very low, making it difficult to observe visually. The nebula is 100 light-years long and is located in the Orion Arm of our Milky Way galaxy.
Xi Persei Star
The nebula is illuminated by the star Xi Persei, which is a powerful source of energy for exciting the gas in the nebula. This star is located near the nebula and plays a key role in its light, emitting radiation that causes the gas to fluoresce.
Observing Conditions
Due to its low surface brightness, exceptionally clear and dark skies without light pollution are required to view the nebula. You will also need a wide field telescope and an Hα or Hβ filter to improve visibility.
Fun Facts
- The nebula was named for its shape, which resembles the outline of the state of California on a map of the United States.
- The California Nebula is a popular target for astrophotographers due to its unique shape and connection to California, which has made significant contributions to space exploration and astronomy.
Cosmic Significance
The California Nebula is located in the Orion Arm of our galaxy. Its name is a reminder of the important contributions of the state of California to the fields of space exploration and astronomy, including NASA centers such as Ames Research Center and Jet Propulsion Laboratory, as well as many universities offering programs in astronomy and astrophysics.
The California Nebula thus serves as a reminder of the state's importance in the world of science and its connection to space exploration.
Visibility chart of California Nebula (NGC 1499) 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•