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Lion Nebula (Sh2-132)
emission nebula in Cepheus
The Lion Nebula is a large emission nebula in Cepheus with a roaring-lion outline. It is a faint, wide target, mostly seen in hydrogen-alpha and OIII. It lies close to other Cepheus nebulae, so a night in this region can go a long way.
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// Key facts
- Catalog
- Sh2-132
- Also known as
- Sharpless 132, Sh 2-132
- Type
- emission nebula
- Constellation
- Cepheus
- Size
- 1.0° across
- Brightness
- Magnitude 10
- Distance
- several thousand light-years (estimates vary)
- Peak month (any location)
- Aug
- Typical prime months
- Jun to Nov
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Filter
- Narrowband: Ha / OIII / SII, or a dual-band / UHC filter
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How to image Lion Nebula
- Use 300 to 600 mm; it is about an hour of arc across.
- Hydrogen-alpha and OIII are the way in; broadband alone will not show much.
- It is high from northern sites in autumn evenings.
Framing: what focal length?
The focal length at which Sh2-132 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 450 mm |
| APS-C (23.5 mm) | about 810 mm |
| Full frame (36 mm) | about 1240 mm |
How high does it climb from your latitude?
The highest point Sh2-132 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) | 89° | High in the sky |
| 45°N (Minneapolis, Milan) | 79° | High in the sky |
| 35°N (Los Angeles, Tokyo) | 69° | High in the sky |
| 25°N (Miami, Cairo) | 59° | Workable |
| 35°S (Sydney, Santiago) | below horizon | Never rises |
Also worth imaging
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