This image captures the Heart Nebula (IC 1805) alongside the faint supernova remnant HB3, a combination that’s not often seen together in astrophotography.
What makes HB3 particularly interesting is its strong SII emission, which isn’t that common in supernova remnants. It’s also classified as a mixed-morphology remnant—radio observations show it as a shell, but X-rays reveal a more diffuse, centrally filled structure. Studies suggest it’s interacting with molecular clouds in the region, which might explain the complex structure seen in the image.
Additionally, faint OIII structures are also present, appearing as subtle filaments and diffuse regions, particularly where shock fronts might be interacting with the surrounding medium.
The composition is a 2-panel mosaic, which I have captured during November, December, and January 2025 from my observatory located in Àger (Catalonia). I have used 67 hours of data combining SHO filters from Antlia (4.5nm).