the California Nebula is a large and visually difficult to detect emission Nebula in the Constellation Perseus. The nebula gets its name from its similarity in shape to the state of California.  The nebula is nearly 2.5 degrees across with a very low surface brightness resulting in difficult visual detection.

the Nebula lies nearly 1000 light years away and extends about 100 light years in length.  The nebula is believed to be illuminated by ξ Persei, the hot blue-white star which is seen just below the nebula.

Imaging Data

Date: 11-11-2010

Location : Sudbury, Massachusetts

Optics : William Optic ZenithStar 66mm Semi-Apo Refractor

Filter(s) : Astronomik CLS-CCD

Mount : Piggyback Meade LX-200 on ATS Pier

Autoguiding : Meade DSI-Stellarvue 60mm Finder Scope

Camera : Canon EOS 1000D Astro-modified

Exposure info : 31 x 210 sec Exposures @ ISO 800, 32º F

Total Exposure : 109 minutes

Processing:  Pixinsight and Photoshop