Nebula IC 1396 in Cepheus
author: R.Gendler/Novapix
reference: a-nec13-96002
Image Size 300 DPI: 32 * 32 cm
This image is both a hydrogen alpha color composite and two frame mosaic. The prominent star at right is Mu Cephei, which was named the Garnet Star by William Herschel. It is a variable star and an M2 bright supergiant with a diameter larger than that of Jupiter's orbit. Mu is one of the most luminous stars in the Galaxy, emitting 350,000 times the power of our Sun. Within the nebula is located the Elephant Trunck Nebula. The IC 1396 is about 3,000 light years distant.