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> Deneb and the nebular complex of Sh2-112 and Sh2-115 in Cygnus

Deneb and the nebular complex of Sh2-112 and Sh2-115 in Cygnus

author: D.De Martin/Novapix

reference: a-neb85-11201

Image Size 300 DPI: 86 * 85 cm

North is at top. Deneb is the brightest star in the constellation Cygnus and one of the brightest stars in the night sky, with apparent magnitude 1.25. Deneb's absolute magnitude is -8.73, placing it among the most luminous stars known. Deneb's exact distance from the Earth is a matter of some dispute; figures from 1600 to 3200 light years appear on various online sources. Estimates for Deneb's luminosity range from about 60,000 to 250,000 times the Sun's brightness. At the distance of Sirius it would be brighter than a full moon. In the image is also visible the nebular complexes called Sh2-115 (above at right) and Sh2-112 (below), and Abell 71 visible as a tiny bubble in upper right corner. This image is based on data acquired by the Oschin Telescope at the Mount Palomar Observatory.

Keywords for this photo:

ABELL 71 - ASTRONOMY - BLUE SUPERGIANT - CYGNUS - DENEB - DSS - EMISSION NEBULA - MOUNT PALOMAR - NEBULA - PALOMAR - POSTER - SH2-112 - SH2-115 - STAR - SUPERGIANT -