description Cave Nebula (Sh2-155) Overview
Cave Nebula, also designated Sh2-155, is a diffuse emission nebula in Cepheus associated with the edge of a large molecular-cloud complex. Ionization from nearby hot young stars lights up a cavity or opening in the cloud, while darker and reflective material shapes the surrounding contrast. The region is an H II site of ongoing stellar activity and is observed in both amateur wide-field imaging and research on nearby star formation.
help Cave Nebula (Sh2-155) FAQ
Where is Cave Nebula Sh2-155?
It is a diffuse emission nebula in the constellation Cepheus, at the edge of a large molecular-cloud complex. Sh2-155 is its Sharpless catalogue designation.
Why is it called Cave Nebula?
Ionized gas and darker dust create a cavity-like opening in the surrounding cloud, which gives the nebula its cave nickname. The bright edge is shaped and lit by radiation from nearby hot young stars.
Is Cave Nebula a place where stars form?
Yes, it is associated with a molecular-cloud complex and an active star-forming environment. Hot young stars provide the ionizing radiation that makes the emission nebula visible, while dust outlines the cavity.
What is the Caldwell number for Cave Nebula?
The Cave Nebula is also commonly listed as Caldwell 9, in addition to Sh2-155. Those catalogue names refer to the same Cepheus emission nebula.
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