Telescope Specification

• Model: Takahashi FSQ-106ED
• Aperture: 106 mm
• Focal Length: 382 mm
• F-ratio: 3.6 (with 0.73x focal reducer)
• Mount: Paramount MX+

CMOS Camera Specification (AUS-2-CMOS, installed in January 2023)

• Model: QHY 600M Pro
• Pixel Size: 3.76s μm
• Pixel Array: 9576 x 6382 pixels
• Native Pixel Resolution: 1.46 arcsec/pixel
• Field of View: 233 x 155 arcmin

SH2-296 is commonly referred to as the Seagull Nebula.  A broad expanse of glowing gas and dust presents a bird-like visage to astronomers from planet Earth, suggesting its popular moniker - The Seagull Nebula.  Located near the direction of Sirius, alpha star of the constellation Canis Major. Likely part of a larger shell structure swept up by successive supernova explosions, the broad Seagull Nebula is cataloged as Sh2-296 and IC 2177. The prominent bluish arc below and right of center is a bow shock from runaway star FN Canis Majoris. This complex of gas and dust clouds with other stars of the Canis Majoris OB1 association spans over 200 light-years at the Seagull Nebula's estimated 3,800 light-year distance.
(NASA)