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Heart Nebula (IC 1805)
emission nebula in Cassiopeia
The Heart Nebula in Cassiopeia is a large emission nebula shaped like a heart, powered by the young open cluster Melotte 15 at its center. It sits next to the Soul Nebula, and the two can share a wide frame.
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// Key facts
- Catalog
- IC 1805
- Type
- emission nebula
- Constellation
- Cassiopeia
- Size
- 2.5° across
- Brightness
- Magnitude 6.5
- Distance
- about 7,500 light-years
- Peak month (any location)
- Oct
- Typical prime months
- Aug to Jan
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Filter
- Narrowband: Ha / OIII / SII, or a dual-band / UHC filter
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How to image Heart Nebula
- Ha or a dual-band filter brings out the glow. Use 200 to 300 mm to frame the whole heart.
- The Heart and the Soul fit together in a frame of about 6 degrees.
- High in the northern sky on autumn evenings.
Framing: what focal length?
The focal length at which IC 1805 spans about 60% of the long side of the sensor, leaving room around it. Treat it as a starting point; the right framing is a matter of taste.
| Sensor | Focal length |
|---|---|
| 1-inch sensor (13.2 mm) | about 180 mm |
| APS-C (23.5 mm) | about 320 mm |
| Full frame (36 mm) | about 490 mm |
How high does it climb from your latitude?
The highest point IC 1805 reaches in the sky. Above about 60° is excellent, 30° to 60° is workable, and under 30° you are looking through a lot of air.
| Latitude | Highest point | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 55°N (Scotland, Alaska) | 84° | High in the sky |
| 45°N (Minneapolis, Milan) | 74° | High in the sky |
| 35°N (Los Angeles, Tokyo) | 64° | High in the sky |
| 25°N (Miami, Cairo) | 54° | Workable |
| 35°S (Sydney, Santiago) | below horizon | Never rises |
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