Interstellar dust clouds and bright nebulae abound in the fertile constellation of Orion. One of the brightest, M78, is near the centre in this view, covering an area north of Orion's belt. At a distance of about 1,500 light-years, the bluish nebula itself is about 5 light-years across. Its blue tint is due to dust preferentially reflecting the blue light of hot, young stars in the region. Dark dust lanes and other nebulae can easily be traced through the gorgeous sky scape that includes many Herbig- Haro objects, energetic jets from stars in the process of formation.(text from APOD)
Overall though, I'm happy with this image, taken over two nights under dark skies at my mate's property in rural Victoria. I was surprised how much Ha is present in this area, although this is only 3 hrs of it and of course I wanted more data (don't we always?) but I was prevented by a minor technical glitch & then the thick bushfire smoke hanging over Australia at present.
It sure was nice to be out under dark skies again though!
Larger one
HERE
Link to behind the scenes video -
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0g0x...jZ2VEZTIzVSckQ