NGC-2359 is a faint emission nebula located in the constellation of Canis Major, about 8 degrees NE of the bright star Sirius (Alpha Canis Majoris). The gas in this nebula is ionized by the fierce radiation from a hot, energetic Wolf-Rayet type star near its center. Its common name "Thor's Helmet" derives from the two faint arcs of nebulosity that extend from each edge of the main nebula, appearing like the horns on a Viking's helmet.There are also numerous other faint loops and extensions of nebulosity visible in this image. Visually,
this nebula if fairly faint, and from most sites requires a narrow-band filter to enhance contrast with the surrounding sky.
This image, acquired on March 1, 2017, is a 2 hour integration of 6 minute exposures through the Celestron C-11 at f/2, using the HyperStar III imaging system and the Starlight Express SXVR-H694C color CCD camera, operating at -10 degrees below ambient temperature and binned 1 X 1. Guided, captured and combined using Maxim DL5 Pro. Post processed using PhotoShop CS2, Gradient XTerminator, StarShrink, Carboni's Astro Tools and NoiseWare.