New Image: Sh2-303, Sh2-308 "Dolphin Head"

[jthommes]

This image is a two panel mosaic and shows the region around Sh2-303 and Sh2-308 (also known as the "Dolphin Head Nebula"). Both of these emission objects are ionized by the Wolf-Rayet star WR 6 (possibly other ionizing stars). WR 6 approximately in the middle of Sh2-308 and a distance of about 5,000 light years.

Also in this image are the small bright planetary nebula PNG 233.0-10.1 and the large dim planetary nebula PNG 234.9-09.7 - the latter located right at the lower edge of Sh2-308 in this image. The open cluster Berkeley 75 is at the top edge of this image - its distance is about 37,000 light years. There are also a number of background galaxies that can be seen in the full size image (at full zoom).

The Pan and Zoom images can be accessed below but they can also be accessed from the main image webpage as well - or seen on astrobin (links below). The full resolution image has an image scale of about 1.47 arcsec/pixel.

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  Sh2-303 / Sh2-308 Dolphin Head

Full Size image (Pan and Zoom):
Sh2-308 Dolphin Head (Full Size)

Annotated Image (Pan and Zoom):
Sh2-303 / Sh2-308 Dolphin Head Annotated

Images also available on astrobin -Sh2-303 / Sh2-308 Dolphin Head

Scope: FSQ-106N at f/5
Camera: ASI2600MM (Astronomik type 2c Ha, OIII, RGB filters)
Location: DAA Observatory, Shelter Valley, CA

[Juno16]

That’s gorgeous!

Great colors and fine details. Beautiful image Jim!

[Ylem]

That's amazing Jim

[AstroBee]

That is truly spectacular Jim! Rarely do we see the Dolphinhead in a widefield like this. The entire region is just fantastic.

[Thefatkitty]

That's stunning Jim, love the widefield view! Also the color and detail as well. Awesome!

All the best,

[messier 111]

exquisit image , thx .
ps apod vote for me .

[Lady Fraktor]

Simply an amazing image Jim!

[Mac]

Mind blown… the best that I have ever seen of this target.

[Gordon]

Congratulations Jim on having your image selected as our TSS APOD!

app.php/article/1-17-2024-tss-astrophot ... of-the-day

[AstroBee]

Congrats on the TSS APOD! Well deserved.

[shauttra]

Wow! What a details!!

[dcrowson]

Jim,

this is fantastic.

Dan

[JayTee]

Sit back and smile my friend. That is a worthy image. Exceptional detail. Absolutely deserves the APOD.

Superbly done,

[jthommes]

Thanks for all the kind words and APOD congrats folks! Geez, I just came back to the post after 24 hrs with all these comments. I have marked my thanks on all the posts. Thanks again for the kind words folks.

[jthommes]

That is truly spectacular Jim! Rarely do we see the Dolphinhead in a widefield like this. The entire region is just fantastic.

.
Thanks Greg. I have seen some other images with this wide composition and was inspired. Unfortunately, I needed two panels to get it. Given my location and the region at -23 DEC, my evening imaging window was about 4 hours. As the image detail on my web page indicates, I needed 7 sessions over two seasons. I'm glad I spent the effort.

[MariusD69]

Wow! Very impressive! Great work, Jim!! Congrats for TSS APOD!

[starfield]

Congrats on the APOD, Jim. I don't know if I'd have the discipline to pull off a two season target! A real beauty.

[Larry 1969]

Another fantastic image Jim!

Larry

[Ylem]

Congratulations on the well deserved APOD Jim!

[jthommes]

Marius, Steve, Larry Jeff,
Thanks for the comments! They are much appreciated.