The Heart Nebula (IC 1805) is an emission nebula located approximately 7,500 light-years from Earth in the constellation Cassiopeia. It is also known as Sharpless 2-190 (Sh2-190) or the Running Dog Nebula because it looks a bit like a running dog when seen through a telescope. The nebula has an apparent magnitude of 18.3 and an absolute magnitude of 6.5. It is 150 arcminutes in size and known for its intensely red glowing gas and dark dust lanes, forming a shape that resembles a heart symbol.
The Heart Nebula forms a famous complex known as the Heart and Soul with its smaller neighbor, the Soul Nebula, which lies just 2.5 degrees to the southeast.
I chose to render the photograph of the Heart Nebula using SHO, otherwise known as the Hubble color palette. See below in the Full Description section for an explanation of SHO color palette.
This photograph is part of a four-panel mosaic I captured over three weeks. This particular photograph comprises two panels, which is just of the Heart Nebula. This took six nights, nights, and about 120 images were stacked per panel. I was able to capture this in my Bortle 8 urban skies in my backyard in Phoenix, Arizona.
NOTE:
The majority of photographs of nebula are in a false color palette. False-color photographs of nebulae are essentially color (RGB) photographs whose color channels have been mapped to specific emission lines. In these images, each color can represent a specific element. In other words, a false-color image of a nebula tells us exactly what it’s made of. There are many emission lines, but the three most photographed by astronomers are hydrogen-alpha, oxygen-III and sulfur-II. These emission lines are captured by using narrowband filters which only let through the light at very specific wavelengths, typically most of my photographs are taken with filters allowing a bandwidth of 3µm.
|
Element |
Emission line |
Wavelength |
Color |
|
Hydrogen |
Hα |
656.3 nm |
Red |
|
Oxygen |
O-III |
500.7 nm |
Blue/Green |
|
Sulfur |
S-II |
672.4 nm |
Red |
Mapping Hα, O-III and S-II to red, green and blue is problematic when two of them are red, one is blue/green, and none is pure blue. Astronomers deal with this by using false color — one or more of these elements is going to have to take a hit for the team and take on an unnatural hue. The Hubble palette assigns red to S-II, green to Hα, and blue to O-III: red is accurate, green and blue are false. This photograph uses the Hubble color palette, hence the golds and blues you find in the photograph.
Imagine this stunning photograph of the Heart and Soul Nebulae gracing your walls, inviting a sense of wonder and exploration into your space. The vibrant reds and deep blues create a captivating focal point that can transform any room into a serene retreat. This piece not only showcases the beauty of the cosmos but also serves as a conversation starter, connecting you with the mysteries of the universe.
Deep Space Blue 🌌
Hex: #1E1E78
A calming, rich blue that evokes the vastness of the night sky.
Nebula Red ❤️
Hex: #C72C41
A passionate, vibrant red that draws attention and sparks energy.
Starlight White ✨
Hex: #F4F4F4
A soft, luminous white that adds brightness and balance.
Cosmic Gold 🌟
Hex: #D4B300
A warm, inviting gold that brings warmth and richness to the palette.
Midnight Black ⚫
Hex: #000000
A deep black that grounds the composition and enhances the colors.
Soft Sage Green 🌿
Sherwin-Williams Soft Sage
Sherwin-Williams Soft Sage
A muted green that brings a touch of nature indoors, creating a calming backdrop.
Charcoal Gray 🌫️
Benjamin Moore Charcoal Gray
Benjamin Moore Charcoal Gray
A sophisticated gray that adds depth and modernity to the space.
Warm Taupe 🏡
Behr Warm Taupe
Behr Warm Taupe
A cozy neutral that complements the vibrant colors of the artwork.
Creamy Beige ☁️
Valspar Creamy Beige
Valspar Creamy Beige
A soft beige that enhances warmth and creates a welcoming atmosphere.
Pair with Soft Sage Walls: This photograph will shine beautifully against soft sage walls, creating a serene and nature-inspired space. Add charcoal gray furnishings for a modern touch.
Accent with Warm Taupe: Use warm taupe for your furniture and decor accents. This will harmonize with the artwork while providing a cozy feel.
Highlight with Creamy Beige: An off-white or creamy beige wall will allow the vibrant colors of the nebulae to pop, especially when paired with warm wood accents for a balanced look.
Incorporating this photograph into your home can create a space that feels both expansive and intimate. The colors and themes resonate with the beauty of the cosmos, inviting contemplation and connection. Imagine this piece in a cozy reading nook or above a modern sofa, where it can inspire and uplift daily.
Let your space reflect your passion for exploration and beauty, making it a true sanctuary for you and your guests.
 |
About DaveI create photographs that bridge fine art, landscape, travel, and astrophotography—each image a study in the way light shapes our world. From the shifting glow of the Sonoran Desert to the rugged edges of distant coastlines and the delicate structures of deep space, I’m drawn to scenes where light, texture, and tone converge in unexpected ways. Nature is the true artist; I simply try to honor its vision with every frame. My goal is to reveal the quiet magic of iconic places, turning fleeting moments into lasting visual stories. Through my lens, I invite you to see the world with a sense of wonder, a touch of sophistication, and a spirit of playful exploration. There’s always a bit of adventure—and a dash of wanderlust—in every photograph I share. |
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To use this feature, Just look for the "Live Preview AR" button when viewing any piece of art on this website!
