Tag: DSO

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
Exposure77x300s, 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

Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), and the dust around

The Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) and Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) are two irregular dwarf galaxies that orbit the Milky Way. They are among the closest galaxies to us and are visible from the Southern Hemisphere.

  • Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC): Located about 160,000 light-years away, the LMC is the fourth-largest galaxy in the Local Group. It contains the Tarantula Nebula, one of the most active star-forming regions in the nearby universe.
  • Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC): Positioned around 200,000 light-years from Earth, the SMC is smaller and more irregular than the LMC. It has a rich mix of young and old stars and is known for its interaction with both the LMC and the Milky Way, causing bursts of star formation.

Both galaxies are important for studying cosmic evolution and are key targets for astronomers exploring star formation and galactic interactions.

TelescopeSigma 40mm @F1.4
Aperture28 mm
Focal length40 mm
MountiOptron HEM15
AutoguidingZWO ASI485MC, QHY Mini Guide Scope
CameraZWO 6200MC @0°C
Filtersnone
Exposure84x180s, 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

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

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

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

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

Vela Supernova Remnant

The Vela Supernova Remnant Nebula emerged from the explosive demise of a massive star, scattering its outer layers across space. Filamentary structures, shaped by shockwaves and magnetic fields, intertwine throughout the nebula, painting an intricate cosmic tapestry.

Radiating vibrant hues of red, green, and blue, the nebula’s ionized gases create a stunning visual display. Observations reveal delicate wisps of gas, shock fronts, and remnants of the original star, including a pulsar emitting electromagnetic radiation.

The Vela Supernova Remnant Nebula showcases the grandeur of stellar cataclysms. Its intricate structure and vibrant colors captivate observers, urging us to ponder the forces that shape our universe. Explore this cosmic masterpiece and unlock the mysteries of our celestial past.

I had to revisit this deep-space object with a much shorter focal length and a much bigger CMOS sensor. Last year it simply didn’t fit in the field of view.

TelescopeSamyang 135 mm F2 @f2.4
Aperture67.5 mm
Focal length135 mm
MountiOptron Skyguider Pro
AutoguidingZWO 174MM, QHY Mini Guide Scope
CameraZWO 6200MC @-10°C
FiltersIDAS NBZ 2″
Exposure88x300s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date2023-05-15

NGC 3576 The Statue of Liberty Nebula

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Statue of Liberty Nebula, an ethereal masterpiece located 9,000 light-years away in the Carina constellation. Resembling the iconic symbol of freedom, this emission nebula captivates with its vibrant colors and intricate features.

The Statue of Liberty Nebula, or NGC 3576, showcases a cluster of young, massive stars at its core. Their intense radiation energizes the surrounding hydrogen gas, causing it to emit a mesmerizing red glow. Dark dust lanes intricately crisscross the nebula, adding contrast and creating a resemblance to the statue’s features.

The interplay of colors, from deep crimson to fiery orange and shimmering blue, adds depth and richness to the nebula’s allure.

The Statue of Liberty Nebula invites us to appreciate the universe’s splendor. Its resemblance to the symbol of liberty reminds us of our shared values. Gazing upon this celestial marvel, we are filled with wonder and inspired to explore the mysteries of the cosmos.

TelescopeSharpstar 94EDPH
Aperture94 mm
Focal length414 mm
MountRainbow Astro RST 135
AutoguidingZWO 178MM, QHY Mini Guide Scope
CameraZWO 2600MM @-10°C
CorrectorF4.4 Quad Reducer
FiltersAntlia SHO 3 nm
Exposure134x300s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date2023-05-15

Sh2-308 Dolphin Nebula

Discover the awe-inspiring Dolphin Nebula, a captivating celestial cloud located 15,000 light-years away in the Delphinus constellation. Resembling a graceful leaping dolphin, this planetary nebula enchants observers with its vibrant colors and intricate structure.

The Dolphin Nebula is formed from the outer layers of a dying star, leaving behind a white dwarf at its core. The intense ultraviolet radiation emitted by the white dwarf illuminates the surrounding gases, creating a breathtaking display of red, green, and blue hues. Delicate filaments of gas intertwine, sculpted by powerful stellar winds and radiant energy.

Its mesmerizing colors indicate the presence of hydrogen, ionized oxygen, and helium. This celestial oasis serves as a reminder of the vastness and wonders of the universe, inspiring a sense of awe and exploration.

The Dolphin Nebula showcases the beauty and complexity of the cosmos, inviting us to contemplate the mysteries beyond our world. Its celestial symphony of colors and structure leaves us humbled by the grandeur of the universe and eager to explore its secrets.

TelescopeSharpstar 94EDPH
Aperture94 mm
Focal length414 mm
MountRainbow Astro RST 135
AutoguidingZWO 178MM, QHY Mini Guide Scope
CameraZWO 2600MM @-10°C
CorrectorF4.4 Quad Reducer
FiltersAntlia SHO 3 nm
Exposure98x300s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date2023-05-13

Leo triplet

Leo triplet is a group of galaxies in the constellation Leo. It contains galaxies NGC 3628 (upper left), Messier 65 (upper right), and Messier 66 (middle down). These galaxies are visible nicely in spring when the constellation Leo rises in the southern part of the sky.

I captured the picture shown here last year, but I haven’t had time to process it so far. It is interesting to compare the progress I made in astrophotography in the last few years. I made the very first picture of this group of galaxies in 2015 and for the first time, I used Pixinsight software for post-processing. The improvement over the freeware Deep Space Stacker was enormous. Similar boost I got recently when I installed BlurXterminator (Pixinsight plugin), which significantly improved the sharpness, but without any unrealistic artifacts.

TelescopeNewton 254/1000 mm
Aperture254 mm
Focal length950 mm
MountGemini G53f
AutoguidingZWO 174MM, TS 60/240 mm
CameraZWO 2600MM @-10°C
CorrectorMaxField coma corrector
FiltersAntlia V-Pro LRGB
ExposureL26x RGB15x 180s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date2022-03-05

M63 Sunflower galaxy

Messier 63 is a stunning spiral galaxy located about 37 million light-years away from Earth in the constellation Canes Venatici. The galaxy gets its name from the striking pattern of dust and gas that resembles the petals of a sunflower surrounding its bright yellow core.

The Sunflower Galaxy was first discovered by the French astronomer Pierre Méchain in 1779 and later added to the Messier catalog by Charles Messier in 1781. With an apparent magnitude of 8.6, it is easily visible with a small telescope or binoculars.

Spring is a great time to observe galaxies like Messier 63 because, during this season, the Earth is oriented in such a way that we are looking out towards the outer regions of our Milky Way galaxy. This means that the sky is darker and clearer, providing ideal conditions for observing distant galaxies.

TelescopeNewton 254/1000 mm
Aperture254 mm
Focal length1150 mm
MountGemini G53f
AutoguidingZWO 174MM, TS 60/240 mm
CameraZWO 2600MM @-10°C
CorrectorTele Vue Paracorr Type-2
FiltersAntlia Ha, 3 nm, V-Pro RGB
Exposure4x24x180s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date2023-03-21