North American Nebula – Astrophoto

North America Nebula – Astrophoto

The North America Nebula (NGC7000) roughly approximates the shape of the continent in a glowing region of ionized gas. It is an estimated 100 light years across and 1800 light years distant. The deep red color emanates from the hydrogen H-alpha emission line. Much of the distinctive shape comes from interstellar dust clouds blocking parts of the nebula. You can, in part, tell the relative distance of the dust clouds by the brightness and number of stars they hide from view. The bright yellow star on the left is Epsilon Cyngi and is a mere 73 light years from Earth. While in the same field of view, it is nowhere near the region of the nebula. Knowing the distance of some of these interstellar objects gives a good impression of the vastness of space.