211112 - IC410 "Tadpoles" nebula

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ASTRO:
     type=HII emission nebula
     mag=10.0
     const=Auriga
     dist=12,000 ly; size=120 ly
IMAGE:
     location=EB Driveway
     BrtlCls=5
     exposure=DSLR OSC; 43x420s (5.0h), ISO3200
     palette=RGB + simulated Lum
EQUIPMENT:
     camera=Nikon D90 (mod)
     optics=ES102 w1.0x fltnr, F=714mm, f/7
     filter=Radian Triad QNB
     mount=Celestron AVX
     guiding=Orion 60x240mm, ZWO ASi224MC
SOFTWARE:
     acquisition=Stellarium, APT, PHD2,
     processing=DSS, PhotoshopCC, APF-R, LrC

IC410 is a dusty emission nebula located in the constellation of Auriga at about 12.000 ly from Earth.  It is part of a larger star forming region that also contains the Flaming Star Nebula. The gas structures in this nebula are lit by radiation from the open star cluster NGC1893 that lies in the center of the nebula. This cluster is about 4 million years old, but in astronomical terms it is still very young, and consists of hot, massive stars.  Generally, "massive" means they are each individually larger than our Sun.  Toward the middle of the image two elongated, dense structures are visible. These are similar in composition to the famous Pillars of Creation located at the heart of M16, the Eagle Nebula; being composed of dust and gas leftover from the formation of the star cluster.  Scientists theorize they are very likely to give birth to more stars in the future.  While not easily apparent, these structures actually point away from the center of the nebula, because of the stellar winds and radiation pressure from the stars inside NGC 1893.  Due to the shape of these structures, the nebula is also called the "Tadpoles" nebula.

The 'Tadpoles' are a very popular target to image among amateur astrophotographers because of their unique 'pillar-like' structure.