SH 2-129

SH 2-129

HII

HII — SIMBAD verified

Sh2-129, frequently called the Flying Bat Nebula, is a faint and expansive HII emission region located in the constellation Cepheus. This diffuse nebula is notoriously elusive, often found surrounding the brighter O-type star HR 8119.

Key Facts

RA (J2000)

21h 11m 48.0s

Dec (J2000)

+59° 57′ 0″

Best Season

Autumn (Sep–Nov)

How to Find It

Locate the constellation Cepheus and aim your optics near the bright star Alderamin, then slew toward the coordinates RA 21h 11m 48s and Dec +59° 57' 00". It is situated in a crowded field of the Milky Way, making a star chart essential for precise framing.

Observing Tip

Because this object has an extremely low surface brightness, use a narrow-band H-alpha filter and take very long individual exposures to resolve the delicate filaments of ionized gas.

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