IC 218
IC 218 is a bright nebula located in the constellation of Leo. It is part of a larger group of celestial objects known as HII regions, which are areas of ionized hydrogen gas where new stars are forming. This nebula is notable for its vibrant colors and intricate structures, making it a popular target for astronomers and astrophotographers.
Discovered in 1892 by Édouard Stephan, IC 218 is approximately 1,500 light-years away from Earth. Its distance allows astronomers to study the processes of star formation and the dynamics of interstellar gas. Observations of IC 218 contribute to our understanding of the life cycle of stars and the evolution of galaxies.