IC 1805/IC 1848 - Heart and Soul Nebula

The Heart Nebula (IC 1805) is an emission nebula in the constellation Cassiopeia, containing an open star cluster at its center. It is located about 7,500 light-years from Earth in the Perseus Arm of the Milky Way and has a diameter of approximately 200 light-years. The characteristic reddish regions of the nebula are illuminated by the stars of the cluster, and its heart-shaped structure gives it its name.

Directly adjacent is the Soul Nebula (IC 1848), also an emission nebula and part of the same star-forming complex, with a diameter of roughly 150–200 light-years. In both nebulae, the radiation and stellar winds from massive young stars create large cavities in the gas. At the edges of these bubbles, gas is compressed, triggering new star formation. Together, the Heart and Soul Nebulae form one of the most active star-forming regions in Cassiopeia, displaying complex structures of gas and dust

Shooting Data