description Sh2-298 Overview
Sh2-298 is an emission nebula in the constellation Canis Major, commonly known as Thor's Helmet and also catalogued as NGC 2359 and Gum 4. Its sculpted gas cloud is associated with the strong stellar wind of the Wolf-Rayet star WR 7, whose radiation and outflow shape the surrounding material. The object is a deep-sky target for observation and astrophotography because of its complex nebular structure. Its multiple catalogue designations reflect its identification in different astronomical surveys.
help Sh2-298 FAQ
Is Sh2-298 the same nebula as Thor's Helmet and NGC 2359?
Yes, Sh2-298, NGC 2359, Gum 4, and Thor's Helmet are catalog names for the same emission nebula. It lies in the constellation Canis Major.
Why is Sh2-298 called Thor's Helmet?
Long exposures show a curved shell with extensions that resemble a helmet, which inspired the popular name. The nebula is about 30 light-years across and roughly 12,000 light-years from Earth.
What star shapes Thor's Helmet Nebula?
The central Wolf-Rayet star WR 7, also catalogued as HD 56925, drives the nebula's sculpted form. Its intense radiation and powerful stellar wind push into surrounding gas and create the bright emission shell.
What filters are useful for photographing Sh2-298?
Thor's Helmet is a faint deep-sky target in Canis Major, so it is mainly photographed with a tracking mount and long exposures. Hydrogen-alpha and O III narrowband filters are commonly useful for separating its glowing gas from the background sky.
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