IC 2177, the Seagull Nebula

Hello all,

Here is my first image taken after a February trip to my remote observatory in February 2012. This is of IC 2177, nicknamed The Seagull Nebula. This is a large emission nebula, which is yet another cloud of hydrogen gas glowing from the radiation of nearby bright stars. It is made a bit more interesting with the tongues of dark nebulae crossing the emission nebulosity. I especially like the small "river" or "crack" in the "head" of the seagull. Though I just noticed a little rabbit-like (or is that more of a long-eared terrier?) silhouette towards the lower right of the emission nebula's "wing".

Description and a preview image can be seen at:

http://www.skiesbyafrica.com/Nebulae/IC2177.html

75% Sized image at:

http://www.skiesbyafrica.com/Nebulae/Images/IC2177/IC2177_HaRGB_2013.jpg

Enjoy,
Eric

Attached Image:

Nice one Enrico, I think it is a rabbit.

Hi Enrico,
I'd never noticed the rabbit before, thanks. Thats a great shot!

Thanks, Floyd and Dave! Yeah, I'd lean towards rabbit myself. I probably wouldn't have seen it myself if it were not for the orientation of this image!

Eric