MMA

The Elephant’s Trunk in Cepheus

August 20, 2026Pablo Navarro1 мин

The Elephant's Trunk Nebula, a celestial formation resembling an illustration from a "Just So Story," winds its way through the emission region and young star cluster complex IC 1396. This cosmic trunk, also identified as vdB 142, stretches over 20 light-years in length and resides in the constellation of Cepheus.

This detailed telescopic view showcases the bright, swept-back ridges and pockets of cool interstellar dust and gas that are abundant in this region. Within these dark, tendril-shaped clouds lies the raw material for star formation, hiding nascent protostars.

Located nearly 3,000 light-years away, the IC 1396 complex spans a vast area of the sky, exceeding 5 degrees. The Elephant's Trunk itself, from top to bottom, measures approximately 1 degree across, which is slightly less than the angular diameter of two full moons.

English Translation:

The Elephant's Trunk Nebula, a celestial formation resembling an illustration from a "Just So Story," winds its way through the emission region and young star cluster complex IC 1396. This cosmic trunk, also identified as vdB 142, stretches over 20 light-years in length and resides in the constellation of Cepheus.

This detailed telescopic view showcases the bright, swept-back ridges and pockets of cool interstellar dust and gas that are abundant in this region. Within these dark, tendril-shaped clouds lies the raw material for star formation, hiding nascent protostars.

Located nearly 3,000 light-years away, the IC 1396 complex spans a vast area of the sky, exceeding 5 degrees. The Elephant's Trunk itself, from top to bottom, measures approximately 1 degree across, which is slightly less than the angular diameter of two full moons.