NGC 1491 - Fossil Footprint Nebula

Jan 2026
author image @sharon Botnang, Stuttgart
NGC  1491

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.

Filter UHC LightPollution
Lights 49
Single Exposure 300 sec
Total Exposure 4 hr 5 min
Gain 101
Offset 200
Temp (°C) -10.0 °C
Capture Dates Moon Illumination
21 January 2026 Waxing Crescent (5.04%)