The North America Nebula Region in Elemental Colors

About This Photograph

This is the North America Nebula region, high overhead in the constellation of Cygnus in summer months in the northern hemisphere. This area actually contains two other named nebulas aside from the large North America nebula on the left. The Pelican nebula is the small orange area at top center, and the yellow and orange area to the right of the main blue region is known as IC 5068. These are all clearly part of the same large nebula complex, but are separated by dark, sinuous filaments composed of gas and dust situated between us and the brighter nebula.

This photograph was taken using special filters to isolate the light emitted by different elements in the gas clouds: red for sulfur, green for hydrogen, and blue for oxygen.

Click here for an annotated photograph.