Elephant’s Trunk Nebula

This striking image showcases the Elephant’s Trunk Nebula (IC 1396A), a dense region of gas and dust located within the large emission nebula IC 1396 in the constellation Cepheus, approximately 2,400 light-years away. The elongated dark column, known as the Elephant’s Trunk, is a site of ongoing star formation and is shaped by powerful stellar winds and radiation from nearby massive stars.

The image reveals the rich structure of glowing hydrogen, dark interstellar clouds, and the intricate texture of the surrounding nebula — all captured under the clear skies of the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪.

• Telescope/Lens: Samyang 135mm f/1.8
• Mount: iOptron HAE43
• Camera: ZWO ASI294MC Pro (cooled)
• Filter: Optolong L-eNhance
• Guiding: Svbony Mini Guider Scope 30mm + ZWO ASI120MM

• Exposure: 45 x 300 sec (Total: 3h 45min)
• Camera Temp: 0°C – Gain: 120
• Software: Captured via ASIAir, stacked and processed with PixInsight and Photoshop.