IC5070 The Pelican Nebula

Gaze into the cosmos and behold the majestic Pelican Nebula (IC 5070), a stellar nursery nestled in the constellation Cygnus, approximately 1,800 light-years from Earth. This emission nebula, named for its resemblance to a pelican, is a dynamic region of active star formation and evolving gas clouds. The nebula's intricate structures are shaped by the intense ultraviolet radiation from young, hot stars, which ionize the surrounding gas and dust, creating a luminous glow. The Pelican Nebula is part of the larger H II region of Westerhout 40 and is associated with the neighboring North America Nebula, separated by a dark molecular cloud filled with dust. Over millions of years, the nebula will continue to evolve, with its gas and star distribution changing, but its beauty remains timeless.

My story: This nebula neighbors the North America Nebula. Its shape is often said to resemble a pelican walking toward America—or, if you ask me, perhaps even a pterodactyl—but I’ll let you be the judge. I personally love the way the light illuminates its head and neck from behind—can you see it?

And, of course, no astrophotograph would be complete without a hidden surprise. Take a close look… can you spot the snake’s head peering at you from the shadows?