The Hungry Frog – Sh2-115 & Sh2-116 (Abell 71)

Sh2-115, the multicolored cloud at the top of the frame, is a star-forming emission nebula about 7,500 to 9,700 light years distant(http://galaxymap.org/cat/view/sharpless/115).

Sh2-115 has been described as highly evolved—and therefore ancient. Conversely, Sh2-116 (the round formation in the lower right of the frame) has been previously classified as a planetary nebula (Abell 71 & PK085+04.1), which would mean it is considerable younger. But that classification was called into serious question in a 1991 paper that strongly asserted that it is a small emission region rather than a planetary nebula.

My sometimes-overactive sense of pareidolia makes me think Sh2-115 looks like a frog with its mouth wide open—perhaps getting ready to gobble up Sh2-116 (please pardon my terrible drawing):

Aside from the beauty and intricacy of this object and the silliness it inspires in me, it also causes pangs of grief when I see it. I was shooting this image the night my mother died. I know she would have enjoyed seeing it, and we would have had a nice laugh over my pitiable drawing skills. So that thought blunts the pain a bit for me. She was an enthusiastic supporter of my astrophotography journey, and she always asked to see my latest work during our weekly visits.