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NGC 1499 - California Nebula
Object Type: Emission nebula
Constellation: Perseus
Magnitude:
Size: 145' x 40'

The California Nebula gets its name from its resemblance to the USA's most populous state and is located 1000 light-years from the solar system. It is believed to be illuminated by the star Xi Persei, the 4th-magnitude star at the bottom right of the image. Although large in size, the California Nebula has a low surface brightness which makes it difficult to detect visually. Using an H-Beta filter is helpful when attempting to see it.

Equipment: ST-10XME/Nikkor 300mm f/4 lens/G-11/Gemini/Astrodon RGB filters
F-ratio: f/5.6
Exposures: RRGB: R 8 x 12 minutes: G 8 x 3 minutes: B 8 x 3 minutes: GB binned 2x2
Date: November 13, 2004
Location: Landers, California, USA
Technical Notes: Individual exposures were sigma combined and the RGB image created in Registar 1.0. A Gaussian Blur of 1 pixel was applied to the dim portions of the luminance image, and Unsharp Mask of 1 pixel applied to the bright portions.