This is a very dim nebula in Hydra and was a challenge to shoot. Even at transit it is only 35degrees in the sky, decently small (10' across), dim(26.2mag/arcsec^2) and I have my neighbors roof to contend with.
What an intriguing object it is though! There is some debate on whether it is a planetary nebula or a Stromgren sphere . The central star is a binary pair of white dwarfs in a very tight orbit. This is one of the rare times you can see the motion of the stars through the medium. Especially in OIII you can see the wake it is forming as it is moving through the center part of the nebula. As with all debated objects in astronomy there is tension on whether it is proper motion of the binary pair through the central gasses or the gasses moving past the binary pair and interacting with the strong magnetic fields the white dwarfs are creating. Either way the visible motion is just amazing and something rarely seen. We are also graced with a plethora of galaxies and even a Carbon Star in the frame.
Link to the video I made on this image:
https://youtu.be/Ajq6BxNScBYComments and suggestions appreciated!
Some highlights:
OIII wake:
Close in Crop:
Carbon Star:
Telescope pointing low in the sky:
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