NGC 2359, Thor's Helmet

NGC 2359

Thor's Helmet

Image Information
Date Imaged	8/13/2006
Location Imaged From	Tierra del Sol , CA
Equipment	Telescope: Meade 10" LX200 Mount: Ulti-Wedge Camera: SBIG ST-7e CCD NABG Focal Ratio: f/6.3
Exposure Information	L: 20 X 3 minutes binned 1 X 1 RG: 15 X 2 minutes binned 2x2 B: 18 X 2 minutes binned 2x2
NGC 2359, Also known as Thor's Helmet Nebula. A bright nebula that surrounds, and has been blown off by the Wolf-Rayet star GSC 5407:3417 – the brightest star visible within the nebulosity. Although similar in nature to the Bubble Nebula, interactions with a nearby large molecular cloud are thought to have contributed to the more complex shape and curved bow-shock structure of Thor's Helmet. It measures some 30 light-years across and lies in the constellation Canis Major.