NGC 3603 and 3581

[winensky]

This mosaic consists of two images from the Carina region. NGC 3603, the bright cluster and HII region on the left, is a starburst region of hot young super massive stars at a distance of approximately 20,000 light years. Gas emissions from the supergiant Sher 25 in this cluster are believed to be a precursor to a supernova event. To its right, NGC 3581,2,4,6 and 3576 and 79 form a complex region of rapid star formation and death. The large looping structures are rich in Polyaromatic hydrocarbons from dying giant stars. The dark structures in the center of this region are known as ‘Bok globules’, dense molecular gas clouds.

There are some focusing issues with the 3582 image and some artifacts along the edge of the join but I thought it worth posting.

Both photos in Ha only, 45 minute total each. Stacked in Maxim, processed and mosaic compiled in PS2.

[Ross G]

Nice shots.

Such amazing structures.

Ross.

[winensky]

Thanks Ross. These are old images but I must revisit this area to collect some RGB.