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IC 417 and NGC 1931



 

Object:

IC 417 and NGC 1931: Spider and Fly Nebula in Auriga

RA = 05hr 28min; Dec = +34 deg 26 min

Date & Site:
Imaged on 10/22/11; Palomar Mountain
Equipment:

Telescope: Takahashi FSQ 106 (540 mm F5.4)

Mount: Losmandy G-11 with Gemini
Camera: ST-10XME; CFW10 with Astrodon filters

Notes:

Conditions: 59 degrees; very good seeing; windy

Exposures: 3.5 hrs Ha (14 x 15 min) 30 min each GB (6 x 5 min)

FOV = 96 x 65 arc minutes

This image shows IC 417 - a massive hydrogen emission region (right) along with NGC 1931 - a small star forming reflection (blue) and emission nebula (left); Both nebulae are approximately 10,000 ly away, while the small NGC1931 is just 10 light years across. The spider-shaped center of the web-like hydrogen emission resembles a spider eyeing a small fly and gives rise to its common name.