GN 19.41.5 – Reflection Nebula in the constellation Octans
It is listed in Neckel and Vehrenberg’s catalog of galactic nebulae, yet it is virtually invisible in astrophotography: the reflection nebula GN 19.41.5 in the constellation Octans. Until 2026, I was aware of only one other photograph of this object worldwide, taken by Mike Selby.
A compact, blue reflection nebula glows at the center of the image. The nebula is illuminated by the star HD 185053, located about 725 light-years away. Reflection nebulae do not emit their own light, but instead scatter the light from the illuminating star off fine dust particles. Since short-wavelength blue light is scattered more efficiently than long-wavelength red light, such nebulae typically appear blue.
GN 19.41.5 is physically small: with a diameter of about one light-year, it is one of the more compact members of its class. It is not an isolated object, but is embedded in an extensive dark cloud that spans the entire field of view and is visible in warm brown and red tones.
To the east of the reflection nebula lies the very bright star HD 186154, located about 670 light-years away. In its immediate vicinity, the dark cloud shows a slight brightening and a change in color. It is possible that this star also illuminates parts of the surrounding material, but I am not aware of any scientific studies of this region.
The image was chosen as APOD GrAG on June 23, 2026 and as APOD Brazil on July 21, 2026.
| Date: | 16.08.-20.08.2025 |
| Optics: | Planewave CDK 14 with Televue 0.8x reducer |
| Aperture: | 350 mm |
| Focal Length: | 2050 mm |
| Camera: | QHY268M |
| Exposure: | L:R:G:B 54:27:28:30 x 600s |
| Location: | Gemsbock Observatory, Rooisand Desert Ranch, Namibia |
| Processing: | PixInsight, Photoshop |
| Diameter: | 1 light year |
| Distance: | 725 light years |
