Flame and Horsehead Nebula
|
The Flame Nebula (NGC 2024; Sh2-227) and Horsehead Nebula (IC 434; B33) are part of the Orion Molecular Cloud. They lay approximately 1500 light years away. The Flame Nebula consists of ionized Hydrogen that is caused by the extreme ultraviolet light emitted by the bright star Alnitak. This is the easternmost star in Orion's belt. Dust lanes in front of the nebula give it its characteristic appearance. The Horsehead Nebula is a dark nebula. It is simply a cloud of dust that is visible due to its obstruction of the background glow. The blue reflection nebula to the lower left of the Horsehead is designated as NGC 2023. |
|
| Telescope: | Takahashi TOA-130NFB |
| Cameras: | Ha: ST-8300 w/Astronomik
12nm filter Color: Modified Canon T4i (650D); ISO 1600; Raw capture |
| Mount: | iOprton CEM60 |
| Guider: | SSAG on 60mm scope |
| Exposures: | Ha:
16 @ 7.5 min. Color: 12 @ 5 min. |
| Processing: | The Ha images were captured, aligned and combined in CCDSoft. The color images were captured, aligned and combined in ImagesPlus. The Ha and color images were aligned in RegiStar and the composite image was created and adjusted in Photoshop. Topaz DeNoies and Detail were applied. |
| Location: | My backyard observatory in SE Minnesota on 2/20/21 and 3/6/21. Seeing was average. |
| Back to Nebula Index | |