Sh2-54 / Serpents Nebula

NameSerpent's Nebula
Designation(s)Sh2-54,
Object Type(s)Emission Nebula
Relevant Catalog(s)All (Chron), NGC, Sharpless
Obs. Lat/Long42° 17', 073° 57'
ConstellationSerpens
Date and Time Observed2025-07-04 12:29:00
InstrumentAskar V 80mm w extender f7.5-600mm FL
CameraASI2600MC-Pro
Image DetailsUp is 357.5 degrees E of N. Transparency: Good. Seeing: Good. Total integration time was 25m. Exposures 20s@250g, L-eNhance Filter. Dithered and recentered in SharpCap. No guiding.
DescriptionCompared to it's more famous siblings, the Serpent's Nebula is obscure. This name refers to the central "strawberry" shaped body -- and undoubtedly gets its name from its location in the constellation Serpens than any resemblance of the object to a snake or part thereof.

That said, it's a minor part of one of the most active star birthing regions in our part of the Milky Way, incorporating the famous "Eagle" Nebula (M16), which includes the "Pillars of Creation" and the "Swan" or "Omega" Nebula (M17).
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