The Bubble Nebula

Bubble nebula in Hubble palette! This was captured with Askar SII OIII filter! This filter is intended to give you SHO like images with an OSC camera.

Here's some information about the Bubble Nebula:

Structure and Formation:

The Bubble Nebula gets its name from its distinctive bubble-like shape, which spans approximately 10 light-years across. The bubble is formed by the powerful stellar wind emitted by the massive star known as SAO 20575, located near the center of the nebula. The intense radiation from the star excites the surrounding hydrogen gas, causing it to emit light and creating the glowing shell or bubble.

The Star:

SAO 20575, also known as BD+60 2522, is a young, massive star at the heart of the Bubble Nebula. This star is estimated to have a mass about 10 to 20 times that of our Sun. Its strong stellar wind, along with its high temperature and luminosity, plays a crucial role in shaping the surrounding nebula and creating the bubble structure.

Emission Nebula:

The Bubble Nebula is classified as an emission nebula because it emits light in various wavelengths, particularly in the red part of the spectrum. The red color is primarily caused by the hydrogen gas being excited by the intense ultraviolet radiation from the central star. The nebula also contains other elements and compounds, including oxygen and sulfur, which contribute to its overall appearance.

Observing the Bubble Nebula:

To observe the Bubble Nebula, a telescope with a moderate aperture is recommended. It is best viewed under dark skies with low light pollution. The nebula can be located in the constellation Cassiopeia, not far from the bright star Beta Cassiopeiae (also known as Caph). Using a narrowband filter, such as a hydrogen-alpha (Hα) filter, can enhance the visibility of the nebula by isolating the specific wavelength of light emitted by the excited hydrogen gas.