IC 1396 Elephant’s Trunk Nebula

IC 1396 is a large emission nebula, a region filled with ionized gas, located in the constellation Cepheus. This nebula is illuminated and ionized by a very bright, massive multiple star system known as HD 206267, which is situated at its center. However, there are dense globules within the nebula that are able to shield themselves from the harsh ultraviolet rays emitted by the star.

The star system consists of a hierarchical triple star configuration, with two members forming a spectroscopic binary that orbits each other with a period of 3.7 days. A third member is located further away, and it is unclear whether this star is gravitationally bound to the binary pair. Notably, the system produces a stellar wind that reaches an impressive velocity of 3,225 km/s, which is among the highest recorded for stars of this type.

Among the features of the nebula is IC 1396A, commonly known as the Elephant’s Trunk Nebula. This dark, dense globule has a bright, sinuous edge that is illuminated by the light from HD 206267.e nebula is IC 1396A, commonly known as the Elephant’s Trunk Nebula. This dark, dense globule has a bright, sinuous edge that is illuminated by the light from HD 206267.