Pictures of the Cave Nebula
An astrophotography gallery featuring pictures of the Cave Nebula, also known as Caldwell 9 and Sh2-155, and facts about this mesmerising deep-sky object.
The Cave Nebula is a dark, dense cloud of cosmic gas embedded in a giant emission nebula. It is located in the Cepheus constellation in a region about 2,400 lightyears away from Earth.
In images of the Cave Nebula, the bright rim that can be clearly seen is illuminated by radiation from hot, young stars, producing a glowing cosmic cloud that has become a favourite target for those who enjoy engaging in a spot of deep-sky astronomy and astrophotography.
In fact, this curved arc was most likely the reason for Sh2-155 - as it is formally known - being given the moniker 'Cave Nebula' by Sir Patrick Moore, who probably felt it bore a resemblance to a cosmic cave.
Patrick also included it in his very own deep-sky catalogue the Caldwell Catalogue, making it a key deep-sky target that amateur astronomers and astrophotographers love to tick off their observing and capture list.
Below are some of the best pictures of the Cave Nebula sent to us over the years. For astro imaging tutorials, browse our astrophotography guides or read our top tips on the best astrophotography cameras.
If you would like to submit your own images, read our guide on how to send us your astrophotos. You can of course also share them with us via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
