California Nebula (NGC 1499)

   NGC 1499, a faint emission nebula, is called the California Nebula lying in constellation Perseus (Victorious
Hero in Greek Mythology). It is often thought visually disappointing due to its low surface brightness, but spans
2.5 degrees across the sky.  It was discovered by E.E. Barnard in 1884 and is about 1000 light years away.


   The above image was photographed from California amidst the devastating Santa Ana winds of January 2025.  Although the
seeing conditions were considered average, the imaging telescope (refractor FL=430mm) was refocused six times.

{  Photo:  R Lang & Associates }