NGC 2736, the Pencil Nebula in the constellation Vela

NGC 2736 is an emission nebula in the constellation Vela. It was formed by a shock wave as part of a larger supernova remnant in the same constellation (the Vela supernova remnant). It is located at a distance of 815 light-years. The nebula itself is only 5 light-years long. It is visible to the eye, but only photography reveals the delicate filamentary structure. Captured in Namibia during moonless nights from mid-November to late December, with a total exposure of about 20 hours using LRGB, Ha, and OIII filters.