IC 2944, famously known as the Running Chicken Nebula, lights up the southern skies in the constellation of Centaurus. This active stellar nursery, not just a visual spectacle but also a site of complex cosmic phenomena, is easily identifiable by its unique avian shape, which has captured the imagination of astronomers and stargazers alike.
Northeast of the picture lies my favorite part of the nebula - next/below λ Centauri, where a nebulous formation presents itself with a mesmerizing blend of colors and shapes. This area, rich in ionized gases and scattered starlight, offers a breathtaking view that highlights the artistic beauty inherent in the cosmos.
Towards the center of the nebula you’ll find the mysterious Thackeray’s Globules - small, dense molecular clouds that appear as dark silhouettes against the brighter nebular glow. These globules are key sites for studying the early stages of star formation, providing clues about the life cycle of stars and the conditions within bustling nebular environments.
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Telescope: Askar 130PHQ
Mount: Sky-Watcher NEQ6-Pro
Camera: ZWO ASI260MM-Pro
Integration time: 23h 20min.
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