NGC 1491 - Fossil Footprint Nebula

Jan 2026
NGC  1491
author image @sharon Botnang, Stuttgart

8

Close-up view of the Fossil Footprint Nebula (NGC 7822) captured at 1624 mm with a Ritchey–Chrétien telescope. The long focal length resolves fine filamentary structure along the ionized gas fronts, revealing sharp emission ridges, dark dust intrusions, and subtle texture within the nebula. The image emphasizes the turbulent interaction between intense radiation from young massive stars and the surrounding molecular cloud, giving the nebula its distinctive, sculpted appearance.

Lights

Filter UHC LightPollution
Lights 49
Single Exposure 300 sec
Total Exposure 4 hr 5 min
Gain 101
Offset 200
Temp (°C) -10.0 °C

Equipment

Camera Omegon VeTec571c
Telescope Omegon Ritchey-Chretien Pro RC203/1624
Guide Camera ZWO ASI174MM Mini
Guider Askar Off-Axis-Guider
Mount ZWO AM5N
Tripod ZWO Carbon Fiber Tripod TC40
Filter Wheel Svbony SV226
Eaf Gemini Automatic Star Focuser Pro
Flat Panel WELZK A3 Light Pad

Nights

Capture Dates Moon Illumination
21 January 2026 Waxing Crescent (5.04%)

Software