Close-up of the Horsehead Nebula [Archive]

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PhotonCollector

31-01-2006, 03:17 PM

Hi everyone,

Here's my latest image of the Horsehead Nebula. The image was taken over 3 different nights.

Higher Resolution image
http://www.skylab.com.au/pmsa/Horsehead%20Nebula.html

Exposure Details.
Telescope 12-inch f/5 reflector telescope, hand guided.
Camera Canon EOS 300D Digital Rebel (not modified).
Exposures Taken over 3 nights.
Dec 4, 2005
5 x 6 minute exposures @ ISO400 +
2 x 10 minute exposures @ ISO200
Dec 19, 2005
7 x 4 minute exposures @ ISO800
Jan 29, 2006
12 x 5 minute exposures @ ISO800

Total Exposure time approx. 138 minutes (2 hours 18 minutes).

The Horsehead Nebula.
IC 434 (Barnard 33) & NGC 2023.

One of the most popularly known celestial objects to amateur astronomers is the Horsehead Nebula. Situated in the constellation of Orion, the Horsehead Nebula is a dark nebula about 1500 light-years distance from us. The familiar horse-head shape (centre image) is formed from a dark non-luminous nebula (Barnard 33) that silhouettes itself against the reddish-pink glow of the background emission nebula IC 434. At lower left is the larger bright bluish reflection nebula NGC 2023 which reflects strong blue light from the star that lays at its centre. To the immediate lower left of the Horsehead nebula is a tiny yellowish nebula projecting from the variable star V615 Orionis which assists in illuminating some of the very faint nebula lurking at the base of the horsehead.

Clear Skies
Paul Mayo

ving

31-01-2006, 03:23 PM

now thats special paul!!
great picture :)

PhotonCollector

31-01-2006, 05:35 PM

thanks Ving

Astroman

31-01-2006, 05:40 PM

Very nice image of a very nice object, well done.

[1ponders]

31-01-2006, 06:28 PM

Dont ya wish is looked like that through a scope. :) Great shot Paul

rumples riot

31-01-2006, 06:35 PM

Nice image of a very difficult target. I have tried this one myself once or twice and have not got one as good as yours. Well done.

PhotonCollector

31-01-2006, 07:45 PM

Yeah. If it did look like that through a 'scope I wouldn't need all this astrophotopgraphy gear. glad you liked it.

Paul Mayo

PhotonCollector

31-01-2006, 07:48 PM

Yeah, it's a tough target that's for sure. It's something I've been trying to get a good image of for years and years. I still say there is plenty of room for improvement, but this is the best I've managed so far.
best regards
Paul Mayo

Striker

31-01-2006, 07:55 PM

Nice image Paul.....I know exactly how hard it is to bring out the detail...well done Paul

tornado33

31-01-2006, 07:59 PM

Yes well done, that 12 incher really is gathering the photons well :)
Scott

mickoking

31-01-2006, 10:00 PM

mighty fine shot paul hopefully I will see It visually one day.

PhotonCollector

31-01-2006, 10:23 PM

thanks everyone, glad you like it.

Paul

PhotonCollector

31-01-2006, 10:26 PM

Thanks Striker.

In the beginning... I thought that detail below the horsehead was noise and/or gradient. It wasn't until I gathered more photons when I began to see what it really is - more nebula!! just really faint.

best regards
Paul Mayo