IC 1396 is an open star cluster in the constellation Cepheus, which is part of large emission nebula in the region. It’s best viewed during the autumn.
The region makes for stunning astrophotography as demonstrated by this photo posted on NASA’s site. Struve 2816 (a triple star system) and Struve 2819 (a double star system are usually viable in the same eyepiece of a telescope, making for a fantastic fine on autumn nights.
My Observations
| Date | November 1, 2020 |
| Time | 7:30 p.m. |
| Location | Seattle, WA |
| Magnification | 145x |
| Scope | Meade 8″ SCT |
| Eyepiece | 14mm |
| Seeing | Good |
| Transparency | Good |
As I expected, I cannot make out any of the emission nebula. At a later date, I will try an O III filter on the region to see what I can make out. When I “zoom” in using a 14mm, I’m able to point out both star systems Struve 2816 and 2819.
Also observed on November 18, 2022, at 9:06 using a 14mm eyepiece: I finally return two years later to this nebula. Even with O III filter, I’m unable to really make out anything. It seems there is some nebulosity (which I didn’t draw) around the three stars on the top right of my sketch on this page.
Key Stats
| Constellation | Cepheus |
| Best Viewing | Autumn |
| Visual Magnitude | +5.6 |
| Absolute Magnitude | ? |
| Distance from Earth | 2,400 ly |
| Diameter | 100+ ly |
| Apparent Size | 170 arcmin |
| Milky Way Location | Orion Arm |
| My Viewing Grade | C+ |
Sources
- Photo of IC 1396 provided by NASA/JPL-Caltech/W. Reach (SSC/Caltech) and is in the public domain in the United States because it was solely created by NASA.
The Garden Astronomer 
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