IC 5146 - The Cocoon Nebula

IC 5146, The Cocoon Nebula  - Credit: Telescope.org - The Open University- COAST Robotic Telescope.- SHO filter set - 1 x 3 min exp - Credit:  Pip Stakkert

" The above image was enhanced by adding infra-red information obtained by COAST to the luminosity layer of the combined SHO image."  Pip Stakkert.

" The Cocoon Nebula lies some 4000 light years distant in the constellation Cygnus 'The Swan. At its centre is an open cluster of young stars. The stars are located in a mixture of dark and bright nebula. Emission and reflection nebula are associated with this interesting object. The nebula is approximately 15 light years across and is lit by the central star which formed only 100,000 years ago. IC 5146 is a stellar nursery where star birth is ongoing". - Kurt Thrust - acting CEO and current Director of the Jodrell Plank Observatory

IC 5146, The Cocoon Nebula  - Credit: Telescope.org - The Open University- COAST Robotic Telescope.- Infra-red 'Heat Map' - Credit:  Pip Stakkert