IC1396 - Elephant's Trunk Nebula
IC1396 is a large emission nebula containing the famous Elephant's Trunk, a dark globule where new stars are forming.
Distance: 2,400 light-years
Apparent Magnitude: 3.50 (cluster)
Apparent Size: 170' × 140' (5°)
Constellation: Cepheus
Object Type: Emission Nebula + Open Cluster
Key Features:
- Elephant's Trunk (vdB 142)
- Large angular size
- Contains star cluster Trumpler 37
- Dark globules and Bok globules
- Active star formation
Best Imaging Season: July - November
Optimal Integration: 15+ hours
