Description:

The Bubble Nebula is actually the smallest of three bubbles surrounding massive star BD+602522, and part of gigantic bubble network S162 created with the help of other massive stars. As fast moving gas expands off BD+602522, it pushes surrounding sparse gas into a shell. The energetic starlight then ionizes the shell, causing it to glow. The above picture taken with the Hubble Space Telescope and released last week shows many details of the Bubble Nebula never seen before and many still not understood. The nebula, also known as NGC 7635, is about six light-years across and visible with a small telescope towards the constellation of Cassiopeia.

Instrument:	Vixen ED80sf + AP 0.67 focal reducer
Mount:	Losmandy G11 with digital drive system
Camera:	SBIG ST7e ABG
Filters:	Astronomik Halpha, OIII, SII

Circumstances:	The data for this image was obtained during three full-moon nights.
Comments:	Exposure of 100:30:30:30.