Caldwell 12, universally known as the Fireworks Galaxy (and cataloged as NGC 6946), is a spectacular face-on intermediate spiral galaxy located on the border between the northern constellations of Cepheus and Cygnus.
Why It's Nicknamed the "Fireworks Galaxy"
The galaxy earned its explosive nickname due to its extraordinarily high rate of supernovae. While a typical galaxy like our Milky Way hosts roughly one or two stellar explosions per century, astronomers have observed 10 confirmed supernovae within Caldwell 12 since 1917. This violent activity is fueled by an aggressive, intense rate of star formation happening within its thick spiral arms.
Key Characteristics
• Distance: It sits approximately 15 to 25 million light-years away from Earth. It is one of the closest prominent galaxies outside of our gravitationally bound Local Group.
• Size & Shape: Spanning roughly 50,000 to 85,000 light-years across, it is approximately half the physical size of the Milky Way. Because we view it perfectly "face-on" from Earth, its winding, asymmetrical spiral structure is fully exposed to telescopes.
• The Stellar Core: At the center of Caldwell 12 is a tight, intensely glowing central ring. Scientists studying data from the NASA Hubble Space Telescope believe this core ring has been acting as a relentless "stellar factory," manufacturing new stars continuously for nearly 20 million years.
• Discovery: The galaxy was originally discovered by the legendary British astronomer William Herschel in September 1798.
Imaging Telescope: Vixen ED81s f/5.2
Mount: Skywatcher HEQ5 Synscan Pro (belt mod)
Camera: QHY 533M
Filter Wheel: QHY CFW3S-SR
Guiding camera: ZWO ASI120MM Mini (mono)
Guidescope: SkyWatcher EvoGuide 50ED
Constellation: Cepheus
Date: 10 Aug 2026
Location: Albireo Observatory 2, Ileia, Greece
Sky brightness: B2
Exposure Time:
L: 120x120 sec (gain: 56.00, offset: 12.00) 0°C bin 1×1
Acquisition: N.I.N.A
Processing: Siril, Pixinsight, Photoshop
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