Approximately 600 light years from earth, this area is
lit by the star Gamma Cassiopeia. Sharpless 185 is composed
of two connected, yet distinctive areas. The more prominent,
with its tip pointed to Gamma Cassiopeia (just out of the frame
at the bottom of the image) is also catalogued as IC 63. The
fainter region at the right of the image is also known is IC 59.
Both regions consist mainly of the red glow of ionized hydrogen,
though both areas also contain more subtle blue reflection nebula.

Image data:
Telescope: Hyperion 12.5" f/8
Camera: SBIG STL-11000
Exposure 7.5 hours hydrogen-alpha plus one hour each of RGB