Sh2-235
HII Region in Auriga
About
A kidney-shaped region of glowing hydrogen in Auriga, thought to have formed where two large gas clouds collided. Distance estimates run from about 5,200 to 8,200 light-years, and infrared surveys show new star clusters forming in its cold gas.
Imaging tips
- At 2020–3370 mm on APS-C the nebula fills about a third to half of the frame; it is only about 12′ across, so it needs a long focal length.
- It belongs to a larger complex with Sh2-231, 232 and 233, and one imager framed Sh2-232 and Sh2-235 together in a single refractor field.
- Apart from the brightest part the clouds are very faint: one imager took 2.5 hours of Hα and judged at least four times that necessary.
- One imager gathered 5 hours of SII, 7 hours of Hα and 4 hours of OIII in 30-minute subs.
- Best in December, peaking near 76° altitude from 50°N.
Facts
- Size
- 12′
- Magnitude
- —
- Coordinates
- RA 5h 41.0m, Dec +35° 50′
- Framing, APS-C
- 2020–3370 mm
- Framing, full frame
- 3090–5160 mm
- Best months
- Dec
- Peak altitude
- 76° from 50°N, 89° from 35°N