The dark nebula LDN 1235 (also known as the Dark Shark) is located in the constellation Cepheus and is best observed in the months of May-December. It is a molecular cloud about 650 light years away and around 15 light years across. The star-forming region LDN 1235 is the densest part of the molecular cloud and the very faint HII region LBN 535. Its age is estimated at 1-5 million years. Within the nebula are VDB 150 at the top and VDB 149 at the bottom. These are two blue reflection nebulae that can be easily recognised in the magnified image. The region was photographed with a TS-Hypergraph 150/420 on a Skywatcher EQ6 R Pro mount. The camera used was the Touptek 2600kpa Colour with an exposure time of 8 hours 20 minutes plus flat and dark correction shots.
Text and image: Sven Dau
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