SBIG ST-4000XCM
8x900sec
Imager Temp -10C
Orion ED80 and WO 0.8 Flattener/Reducer
Full Frame

The Pelican Nebula, also known as IC 5070, lies at a distance of 2,000 light-years. Pelican and the North America nebula, located two degrees east, look to be distinct objects separated by a dark lane extending from where the "Caribbean Sea" and "Atlantic Ocean" ought to be located. However, radio wavelength studies have shown that these two nebulae trace the Eastern and Western parts of a single nebula that is over two degrees in extent. The dark lane is a giant molecular cloud seen in silhouette against the background nebula, which hides the massive stars responsible for its creation.

August 25, 2009