IC 1396
in H-alpha

About This Photograph

IC 1396 is cataloged as a star cluster with associated nebulosity. In this image, a special filter was used to let through mainly just the light of excited hydrogen gas. This has the effect of emphasizing the structure of the nebula and de-emphasizing the light from the stars, although they are still quite visible.

From just below center to the bottom of the image is the intriguing Elephant's Trunk nebula. It is a dark globule of gas and dust being eroded by the radiation pressure from the bright stars above it. Numerous other such globules of varying size are scattered throughout the nebula.