The Dolphin Nebula (SH2-308) is a Wolf-Rayet nebula in the constellation of Canis Major. It is composed primarily ionised oxygen, shaped like a dolphin's head. The nebula was formed when the extremely massive central star threw off its outer layers, which were then blown by powerful stellar winds into a bubble-like structure. 

 

This was probably one of the most challenging targets I have ever captured, requiring extensive data that spanned over two years of imaging. 

Location: Singapore
Date(s): April 2020 and May 2021
Telescope: APM LZOS 130 at f/4.5
Camera: Atik 16200M, Baader & Chroma Filters
Mount: Losmandy G11/G2
Exposure (min): 7 hours of Integration with OIII and HII filters

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Image reduction, integration and processing with Pleiades Astrophoto PixInsight.