Abell 78, a captivating planetary nebula residing in the depths of space, tells a story of stellar evolution and celestial beauty. This ethereal cosmic wonder is located in the constellation Cygnus, approximately 5,000 light-years from our home planet. The captivating image showcases the delicate, intricate structure of Abell 78, a shell of glowing gas and dust expelled by a dying star in its final stages of evolution. In this celestial tableau, Abell 78 serves as a poignant reminder of the magnificent transformations that stars undergo as they gracefully exit the cosmic stage, leaving behind a luminous legacy that continues to inspire and captivate our sense of wonder.

Image Description and Details : Sh2-261, also known as Lower’s Nebula (after Harold and Charles Lower discovered it in 1939), is an emission nebula found on the outermost edge of our Milkyway between the Orion and Perseus arm.

APM SD Apo (Fpl53) 140 F4,6 (644 mm)
ZWO ASI 533MC Pro + iOptron GEM45

Feb 2023
Optolong L-Ultimate (3 nm): 111X600"
Optolong Uv Ir cut: 30X60” (star color)
Tot: 19h

Modena (Sqm 18.3-18.9 Bortle 7,5-8), Italy

Copyright: Andrea Arbizzi