This dark nebulosity is nestled in a large area of hydrogen gas and dust. Named for it's resemblance to a curled elephant's trunk, IC1396A is now believed to be a stellar nursery containing many newly-formed stars. It is energized by the massive stars that are in close proximity to it.

Telescope: Astro Tech AT8IN 8” f/4 Newtonian
Accessories: Baader MPCC
Mount: Orion Atlas EQ-G controlled by EQMOD
Guiding: Orion StarShoot AutoGuider on William Optics ZS66
Camera: Self-modified Canon Digital Rebel XT
Filters: Astronomik CLS-CCD EOS Clip
Exposure: 122 x 180s @ ISO 1600 (6hr. 6min.)
Acquisition: ImagesPlus 3.75 Camera Control
Processing: ImagesPlus 3.75 – Calibrated, registered, Sigma-clipped averaged, DDP
Post-processing: Adobe Photoshop CS4; Gradient XTerminator; Noise Ninja,
Date(s): October 24 & 25, 2009
Temperature(s): 42ºF (both nights)
SQM reading (begin - end): 19.06 – 19.16 mags./sq. Arcsec (night 1); 19.03 - 19.11 mags./sq. Arcsec (night 2)