NGC 7293 Helix Nebula

The Helix Nebula, also known as NGC 7293, is a large planetary nebula located in the constellation Aquarius, about 650 light-years away from Earth. Often called the “Eye of God” due to its striking appearance, it features a bright, donut-shaped ring of gas and dust surrounding a central, faint white dwarf—the remnant core of a dying star. This nebula formed when the star shed its outer layers in the final stages of its life, creating the colorful halo we see today. It spans about 2.5 light-years and is one of the closest planetary nebulae to Earth, making it a popular object of study in astronomy.

TelescopeNewtonian 200/800 mm
Aperture200 mm
Focal length800 mm
MountSkywatcher EQ6R
AutoguidingZWO 174MM, WO 40/200 mm
CameraZWO 071MC @-0°C
CorrectorGPU
FiltersAntlia DualBand
Exposure131x180s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date2024-10-05

NGC 104 Globular Cluster

NGC 104, also known as 47 Tucanae, is a massive globular cluster located in the constellation Tucana, about 13,000 light-years from Earth. It’s one of the brightest and most massive globular clusters in the Milky Way, containing several million stars densely packed within a roughly spherical shape. With a diameter of around 120 light-years, NGC 104 is easily visible to the naked eye in the southern hemisphere. The cluster is rich in older stars, giving it a golden hue, and is known for its dense core, where stars are packed thousands of times closer together than in our solar neighborhood.

TelescopeNewtonian 200/800 mm
Aperture200 mm
Focal length800 mm
MountSkywatcher EQ6R
AutoguidingZWO 174MM, WO 40/200 mm
CameraZWO 071MC @-10°C
CorrectorGPU
Filters
Exposure47x180s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date2024-10-04

IC 2177 Seagull Nebula

The Seagull Nebula, designated IC 2177, is a large emission nebula located on the border between the constellations Monoceros and Canis Major, about 3,650 light-years from Earth. Shaped somewhat like a bird in flight, this nebula spans approximately 100 light-years across and consists of a combination of glowing gas and dark dust clouds. The vibrant colors are produced as young, hot stars energize surrounding hydrogen gas, causing it to emit a reddish glow. IC 2177 is part of a larger complex of nebulae and star-forming regions, making it an active area for the birth of new stars and a popular subject for both amateur and professional astrophotographers.

TelescopeSkywatcher Esprit 100ED
Aperture100 mm
Focal length550 mm
MountRainbow Astro RST135
AutoguidingZWO 178MM, QHY Mini Guide Scope
CameraZWO ASI2600MM @0°C
CorrectorSkywatcher flattener
FiltersAntlia Ha OIII SII
Exposure106x300s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date2024-10-04

Cat’s Paw and Prawn Nebulae

The Cat’s Paw Nebula (NGC 6334) is a bright emission nebula located in the constellation Scorpius (up right). Its distinctive shape resembles a cat’s paw, with regions of glowing gas and dark dust lanes. This star-forming region is rich in massive, young stars, and its reddish color comes from the ionization of hydrogen gas by intense ultraviolet radiation from these stars.

The Prawn Nebula (IC 4628), also in Scorpius (bottom left), is another emission nebula and star-forming region. It is often overlooked due to its faintness but is a beautiful expanse of glowing gas and dust, with an orange or pinkish hue in images. The nebula is lit by nearby hot, young stars and spans about 250 light-years, making it a large but relatively faint target for observers.

Both nebulae are stunning examples of stellar nurseries, offering insights into star formation and cosmic evolution.

TelescopeAskar ACL 200 F4
Aperture50 mm
Focal length200 mm
MountiOptron HEM15
AutoguidingZWO ASI485MC, QHY Mini Guide Scope
CameraZWO 6200MC @0°C
Filtersnone
Exposure77x3000s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date2024-10-03

M78 Nebula

The M78 Nebula, also known as Messier 78, is a bright reflection nebula located in the constellation Orion, about 1,350 light-years from Earth. Known for its striking blue color, M78 is illuminated by the light of young, hot stars embedded within it. The nebula’s dust particles reflect this starlight, creating a luminous glow that highlights its wispy clouds and dark lanes of dust. M78 is one of the brightest reflection nebulae in the sky and is a fascinating region of active star formation, where new stars continue to emerge within dense pockets of gas and dust.

TelescopeNewtonian 200/800 mm
Aperture200 mm
Focal length800 mm
MountSkywatcher EQ6R
AutoguidingZWO 174MM, WO 40/200 mm
CameraZWO 071MC @-10°C
CorrectorGPU
Filters
Exposure200x180s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date2024-10-03

NGC 300 Sculptor Pinwheel Galaxy

NGC 300, also known as the Sculptor Pinwheel Galaxy, is a spiral galaxy located approximately 6.07 million light-years away in the constellation Sculptor. It is one of the closest galaxies outside the Local Group and is part of the Sculptor Group of galaxies. With its well-defined spiral arms and central bulge, NGC 300 resembles the Milky Way in structure but is smaller in size. It is known for its vibrant star-forming regions, abundant clusters of young, hot stars, and intricate dust lanes. NGC 300 is often studied for insights into galaxy formation and stellar evolution.

TelescopeNewtonian 200/800 mm
Aperture200 mm
Focal length800 mm
MountSkywatcher EQ6R
AutoguidingZWO 174MM, WO 40/200 mm
CameraZWO 071MC @-10°C
CorrectorGPU
Filters
Exposure69x180s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date2024-10-02

M42 Orion Nebula

The Orion Nebula, also known as M42 or NGC 1976, is a massive and bright emission nebula located in the constellation Orion, about 1,344 light-years away from Earth. It spans roughly 24 light-years across and is one of the most active star-forming regions in our galaxy, making it a vivid nursery for new stars and planetary systems. Its intense, colorful glow is due to ultraviolet radiation from young, hot stars within, which ionizes surrounding gas, causing it to shine. Visible even to the naked eye, M42 is one of the most studied and photographed nebulae, offering insights into the processes of stellar and planetary formation.

TelescopeSkywatcher Esprit 100ED
Aperture100 mm
Focal length550 mm
MountRainbow Astro RST135
AutoguidingZWO 178MM, QHY Mini Guide Scope
CameraZWO ASI2600MM @0°C
CorrectorSkywatcher flattener
FiltersAntlia HaRGB
Exposure232x120s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date2024-10-02

Lagoon Nebula (M8) and Trifid Nebula (M20)

The Lagoon Nebula (M8) and the Trifid Nebula (M20) are two iconic star-forming regions in the constellation Sagittarius, located approximately 4,100 and 5,200 light-years from Earth, respectively.

The Lagoon Nebula (right) is a vast emission nebula filled with glowing hydrogen gas, creating a reddish hue. Spanning about 110 light-years across, it’s a region rich with young stars and dense, dark clouds of gas and dust, where new stars continue to form. The Lagoon’s large, bright structure and open star cluster make it a prominent and popular sight in the Milky Way.

The Trifid Nebula (left) is known for its unique appearance, where dark dust lanes divide its central region into three distinct lobes, giving it a “trifid” or “three-part” look. The Trifid features a combination of reddish emission nebula, blue reflection nebula, and dark nebula, creating a beautiful, multicolored display. Together, the Lagoon and Trifid nebulae offer a stunning view of diverse nebular activity and star formation.

TelescopeSkywatcher Esprit 100ED
Aperture100 mm
Focal length550 mm
MountRainbow Astro RST135
AutoguidingZWO 178MM, QHY Mini Guide Scope
CameraZWO 2600MM @-10°C
CorrectorSkywatcher flattener
FiltersAntlia HaRGB
Exposure127x180s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date2024-10-01

NGC 55 String of Pearls Galaxy

NGC 55 is a barred irregular galaxy located in the constellation Sculptor, approximately 6.5 million light-years from Earth. It is a member of the Sculptor Group, one of the closest galaxy groups to our own Local Group. NGC 55’s elongated, edge-on structure gives it a striking resemblance to the Small Magellanic Cloud, making it an intriguing subject for astronomers studying galaxy formation and evolution. It features active star-forming regions, dust lanes, and a complex mix of young blue stars and older red stars. Its irregular shape is likely influenced by gravitational interactions with neighboring galaxies.

TelescopeNewtonian 200/800 mm
Aperture200 mm
Focal length800 mm
MountSkywatcher EQ6R
AutoguidingZWO 174MM, WO 40/200 mm
CameraZWO 071MC @-10°C
CorrectorGPU
Filters
Exposure79x180s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date2024-10-01

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS)

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) is a long-period comet discovered in early 2023 by the Tsuchinshan Observatory in China and the ATLAS survey project in Hawaii. It has drawn attention for its potential to become a bright object in the sky as it approaches the Sun. The comet’s path took it closest to the Sun (perihelion) in late September 2024, making it visible from Earth, especially in the southern hemisphere, and giving it a spectacular appearance. I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time, and I captured it with two different optical instruments. The comet was very close to the sun, and two tails were visible on this specific day. The primary large tail is made of dust particles, which are frozen in the comet and evaporated by the sun. The secondary tail is on the other hand created by the UV light, which ionizes the gas blown off the comet, and the solar wind carries these ions straight out from the Sun to form the ion tail, which typically glows blue. This is exactly, what is visible on the following picture:

TelescopeAskar ACL200
Aperture50 mm
Focal length200 mm
MountiOptron HEM15
AutoguidingZWO ASI485MC, QHY Mini Guide Scope
CameraZWO 6200MC @0°C
Exposure8x60s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date2024-10-01
LensSigma 40 mm Art
Focal ratio F 1.4
Focal length40 mm
MountTripod
CameraSony A7III astro-modified
ISO1600
Exposure158x5s
Date2024-10-01

Dark Nebula in the constellation Corona Australis

The Dark Nebula in the constellation Corona Australis, also known as the Corona Australis Molecular Cloud, is a dense region of interstellar dust and gas located about 430 light-years from Earth. This dark nebula is notable for its opaque appearance, as it blocks light from stars behind it, creating a stark, shadowy silhouette against the surrounding star field. Within this cloud, young stars are actively forming, and the nebula itself appears to be dotted with faint, reflection nebulae illuminated by these young stars. Its dark, dusty tendrils make it a fascinating example of a star-forming region hidden in shadow, offering a glimpse into the early stages of stellar evolution.

TelescopeAskar ACL200
Aperture50 mm
Focal length200 mm
MountiOptron HEM15
AutoguidingZWO ASI485MC, QHY Mini Guide Scope
CameraZWO 6200MC @0°C
Corrector
Filters
Exposure102x300s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date2024-09-29

IC 2118 Witch Head Nebula

The Witch Head Nebula is a striking and eerie interstellar cloud of dust and gas located in the constellation Orion. Its distinct shape, resembling the profile of a witch’s face in profile, is created by the illumination of nearby stars. This nebula spans about 50 light-years across and is primarily composed of hydrogen gas, which glows faintly in the presence of ultraviolet radiation from neighboring stars. The nebula is a site of ongoing star formation, with young, hot stars embedded within its dusty tendrils.

I tried to capture this nebula several times, but the outcomes were always questionable. This time I had excellent sky conditions – no clouds, no humidity, and nothing that bothered me in creating finally the image I like.

TelescopeAskar ACL200
Aperture50 mm
Focal length200 mm
MountiOptron HEM15
AutoguidingZWO ASI485MC, QHY Mini Guide Scope
CameraZWO 6200MC @0°C
Filters
Exposure101x300s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date2024-09-29

Sun 2024-05-18

The Sun is a G-type main-sequence star at the center of our solar system, providing the light and energy necessary for life on Earth. Composed primarily of hydrogen and helium, it undergoes nuclear fusion in its core, producing immense heat and light. The Sun has an 11-year cycle of solar activity, characterized by fluctuations in sunspot numbers, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). We are currently in Solar Cycle 25, which began in December 2019. This cycle is predicted to peak in 2025, with an increase in solar activity, meaning more sunspots, flares, and geomagnetic storms. Solar cycles affect space weather and can influence satellite communications, power grids, and auroras on Earth.

TelescopeLunt 60mm
Aperture60 mm
Focal length420 mm
MountRainbow Astro RST 135
Autoguiding
CameraZWO ASI 174MM
Corrector
FiltersDouble stack
Exposure4000x30ms, Gain 40, bin 1×1, 15% selected
Date2024-05-18

Whirlpool Galaxy

The Whirlpool Galaxy, also known as Messier 51a (M51a) or NGC 5194, is an interacting grand-design spiral galaxy located in the constellation Canes Venatici. It was the first galaxy to be classified as a spiral galaxy. The Whirlpool Galaxy lies 7.22 megaparsecs (23.5 million light-years) away from us and has a diameter of 23.58 kiloparsecs (76,900 light-years). Its companion, NGC 5195, is easily observed by amateur astronomers, and both galaxies can be seen with binoculars.

TelescopeNewtonian 254/1000 mm
Aperture254 mm
Focal length1170 mm
MountGemini G53f
AutoguidingZWO 174MM, TS 60/240 mm
CameraZWO 2600MC @-10°C
CorrectorTeleVue Paracorr 2″
FiltersAntlia RGB
Exposure66x180s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date2024-04-14

And here is the capturing process recorded:


M101 Pinwheel galaxy

The Pinwheel Galaxy, also known as M101, is a stunning spiral galaxy located in the constellation Ursa Major, about 21 million light-years from Earth. With a large, nearly face-on orientation, it displays beautiful, well-defined spiral arms filled with bright blue star clusters and reddish regions of active star formation. M101 is known for its striking symmetrical structure and massive size, spanning about 170,000 light-years across, making it almost twice the diameter of our Milky Way.

My first attempt to capture this galaxy was 8 years ago. This time I am equipped with a new camera and significantly improved processing skills:

TelescopeNewtonian 254/1000 mm
Aperture254 mm
Focal length1170 mm
MountGemini G53f
AutoguidingZWO 174MM, TS 60/240 mm
CameraZWO 2600MC @-10°C
CorrectorTeleVue Paracorr 2″
FiltersAntlia RGB
Exposure153x180s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date2024-04-11

CHASING DARKNESS IN SWITZERLAND 2024 – FLIMS LAAX

Last four winters we spent our skiing vacation in the same place – Flims-Laax ski resort. Specifically, in Berghaus Nagens. This small ski hotel is at the end of the gondola at 2200 meters above sea level. This means the nearest street lamps are far away. However, the hotel is surrounded by ski slopes. The slopes need to be prepared by snow groomers, which illuminate the white snow. This spoils a bit otherwise very dark sky. However, the main reason was to enjoy the skiing vacation and the starry nights are just an add-on. Last year I struggled with the battery, which froze after a few minutes outside. I purchased a dedicated astro-battery this year and was fortunate with the weather. 4 cloudless nights in one week – I really didn’t expect that to happen.

The initial plan was to capture the Witch Head Nebula, then some dark nebulae in Taurus, and if time allows Pleiades. It went well, so I am slowly preparing a plan for next year.

LensSony 20 mm f1.8 G @f2.2
CameraSony A7III AstroMod
MountTripod
Exposure8x15s, ISO 3200
Date2024-01-10

Dark nebulae in Taurus

Constellation Taurus is full of deep space gems. Probably everybody knows the Pleiades open cluster. There are many dark nebulae next to it, which I intended to capture during our winter vacation in Flims-Laax. Three and half hours of total exposure revealed 3D structures of the dark clouds floating in space. The darkest cloud on the left side is B 22 Taurus Dark Cloud Complex, the small one on the left B 207 Eagle’s Head, and the central part B 18 Kutner’s Cloud.

TelescopeAskar ACL 200 F4
Aperture50 mm
Focal length200 mm
MountRainbow Astro RST 135
AutoguidingZWO 178MM, QHY Mini Guide Scope
CameraZWO 6200MC @-10°C
Filtersnone
Exposure72x180s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date2024-01-11

IC 2118 Witch Head Nebula

The Witch Head Nebula is a striking and eerie interstellar cloud of dust and gas located in the constellation Orion. Its distinct shape, resembling the profile of a witch’s face in profile, is created by the illumination of nearby stars. This nebula spans about 50 light-years across and is primarily composed of hydrogen gas, which glows faintly in the presence of ultraviolet radiation from neighboring stars. The nebula is a site of ongoing star formation, with young, hot stars embedded within its dusty tendrils. Captivating and mysterious, the Witch Head Nebula is a captivating sight in the night sky, sparking the imagination of astronomers and stargazers alike.

TelescopeAskar ACL 200 F4
Aperture50 mm
Focal length200 mm
MountRainbow Astro RST 135
AutoguidingZWO 178MM, QHY Mini Guide Scope
CameraZWO 6200MC @-10°C
Filtersnone
Exposure73x180s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date2024-01-08

CHASING DARKNESS IN JORDAN 2023

If you think of Jordan, probably the first that comes to your mind is the Petra, where Indiana Jones swung his whip, or the Red Sea, where you can snorkel, or the Dead Sea where you can float in extremely salty water. This country is not famous for its dark sky and most tourists do not come there to do the astrophotography. However, I am not a regular tourist. When we decided to visit Jordan, I immediately started to search where is the darkest location in this country. And I found one. In the south, there is a protected area called Wadi Rum. The place is like a different planet. The red sand is surrounded by the mountains. I felt there like on Mars and probably also Matt Damon, because the movie Martian was shot there. And not just this one but many science fiction movies – more on Wikipedia. If you want to spend a few days there, you have to leave the car in the village in front of the protected area and they will lift you to the camp.

Here is a short video from the day trip in Wadi Rum:

After the trip, I grabbed my new camera Sony A7III, and went straight into the darkness. Our accommodation in the tent was the only source of light. The nearest city is 60 km away, so it was pretty dark.

I walked a bit and this scenery was revealed when I looked in the direction of the camp:

On the other side, the Milky Way was already setting down into the light smog caused by the city of Aqaba, but I still managed to capture its core.

LensSony 20 mm f1.8 G @f1.8
CameraSony A7III AstroMod
MountTripod
Exposure20x15s, ISO 3200
Date2023-10-16


Sh2-91 supernova remnant in Cygnus

In my previous project, where I created a mosaic of the Cygnus constellation, I discovered a faint supernova remnant near the star Albireo. Recognizing the significance of this finding, I committed to giving this celestial object more attention. I directed my Askar ACL telescope to these coordinates and gathered additional data over several hours.

Sh2-91, also identified as LBN 147, is a supernova remnant situated close to Albireo. Unlike its more well-known visual neighbor, the Veil Nebula, Sh2-91 is infrequently captured in deep-space photography. According to available literature, this nebula spans 230 light-years in diameter and is approximately 20 thousand years old.

Aware of the complexity of this target, I understood that an extensive integration time was necessary to highlight its intricate structures. Hence, I dedicated seven clear nights to capturing data for this deep-space object, accumulating nearly 14 hours of valuable data.

TelescopeAskar ACL 200 F4
Aperture50 mm
Focal length200 mm
MountRainbow Astro RST 135
AutoguidingZWO 178MM, QHY Mini Guide Scope
CameraZWO 6200MC @-10°C
FiltersAntlia ALP-T Dualband 5nm
Exposure167x300s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date2023-09-15
2023-09-17
2023-09-19
2023-10-04
2023-10-06
2023-10-07
2023-10-08