Waid Observatory

Object: Sh2-187
Date: Sep. 3-4, 2021   -   Location: Davis Mountains west of Fort Davis, TX
Telescope: 10 in. RC   Mount: Paramount MX   Camera: Apogee F8300M
Exposure: L = 25x15 min.   Red, Green, and Blue = 12x10 min. each - Total exposure: 12 hours 15 min.
Click on the image below to view at higher resolution.

 

Sh2-187

 

Sh2-187 1,2

Sh2-187, as designated in the Sharpless Catalog, is an active stellar nursery located in the constellation Cassiopeia approximately 4,700 light years distant.  This remarkable celestial object is composed of a bright emission nebula surrounded by a large neutral hydrogen envelope.  The age of Sh2-187 is quite young and is estimated to be between 100 and 200 thousand years.  The optically visible portion of the complex is partially obscured by a dark nebula. (LDN 1317)  Infrared observations have revealed numerous sources of new star formation.  One of the strongest sources involves a molecular beam designated IRAS 01202+6133.  This beam is probably associated with the formation of a massive new star.

1http://galaxymap.org/cat/view/sharpless/187
2https://skyandtelescope.org/online-gallery/sh2-187/

 
Copyright Donald P. Waid