Sh2-155, also known as the Cave Nebula, is a diffuse emission nebula located in the constellation Cepheus. It is situated in the Milky Way galaxy and is a part of the larger Cepheus Molecular Cloud, a region of space rich in gas and dust where new stars are often born.

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What makes Sh2-155 special is its striking appearance and the processes occurring within it. The Cave Nebula gets its name from its peculiar shape, which resembles a deep, winding cave or a cavity. It's a dark nebula, meaning it is a cloud of dust and gas that obscures the light from stars and other objects behind it. The illuminated portions of the nebula, often seen in images, create a visually stunning contrast with the dark regions. Within Sh2-155, there are regions of ongoing star formation. The gas and dust in the nebula serve as the raw materials from which new stars are born. The energy from newly formed stars nearby can also ionize the gas, causing it to emit light in various colors, contributing to the nebula's beautiful appearance.

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Sh2-155 gained widespread recognition due to a stunning image captured by the Hubble Space Telescope. This image showcased the intricate details and vivid colors of the nebula, making it a favorite among astronomers and space enthusiasts. Sh2-155 is of interest to astronomers studying the processes of star formation and the interstellar medium. It provides insights into the physical conditions and dynamics of regions where stars are born, helping us better understand the life cycle of stars and the evolution of galaxies.
 

A higher resolution image can be found here: https://flic.kr/p/2p4Yq3y

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Total integration time: 15 hours

5 hours of exposure via each channel (100x 180s Antlia 3.5nm Sii-Ha-Oiii filter)

Colour mapped to Hubble palette (Red = Sii, Green = Ha, Blue = Oiii)

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Equipment:

ZWO ASI2600mm 
Stellamira 90mm Carbon Fibre triplet @f/4.8

BH20 Harmonic Drive 

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Clear Skies!