Sh2-115 is an intricate emission nebula located in the constellation Cygnus, just northeast of Deneb. Although overshadowed by more famous neighbors in the Cygnus star field, this region is exceptionally rich in fine H-alpha structures, dark filaments, and OIII-filled cavities. The image reveals the complex interface where ionization fronts meet dense knots of gas, producing beautiful contrasts in color and texture.
To the lower left lies Abell 71, also known as PK 085+04.1, a fascinating object with a debated classification history. Formerly cataloged as a planetary nebula, deeper narrowband surveys revealed that Abell 71 is actually an H II region embedded within the larger Sh2-115 complex, with an apparent shell-like boundary shaped by localized ionization. Its faint OIII interior contrasts sharply against the surrounding SII-rich clouds.
This image was created using broadband RGB data for star color and 3 nm Narrowband data to highlight the Nebula. The data were collected in Arnold, CA between August 9 and September 15, 2025, with a total integration time of 42 hours.