Colour Images of Deep Sky Objects (DSOs)
M42 - Orion Nebula
M42, is a diffuse nebula situated in the constellation of Orion. It is one of the brightest nebulae in the night sky, and is visible to the naked eye. The nebula is approximately 1,350 light years away and 24 light years across. It is the closest region of massive star formation to the Earth.
The image is composed from images taken at various exposure lengths due to the large dynamic range of the nebula: 60@10 seconds; 25@30 seconds; 22@90 seconds; 52@120 seconds; 32@180 seconds. Images taken in February 2016 and February 2024. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star71 F4.9.
M42, is a diffuse nebula situated in the constellation of Orion. It is one of the brightest nebulae in the night sky, and is visible to the naked eye. The nebula is approximately 1,350 light years away and 24 light years across. It is the closest region of massive star formation to the Earth.
The image is composed from images taken at various exposure lengths due to the large dynamic range of the nebula: 60@10 seconds; 25@30 seconds; 22@90 seconds; 52@120 seconds; 32@180 seconds. Images taken in February 2016 and February 2024. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star71 F4.9.
The Flame & Horsehead Nebulae in Orion
The image shows 2 nebulae in the constellation of Orion near to the left most star in the belt, Alnitak (the bright star just left of centre in the image).
The Flame Nebula (just below Alnitak), NGC 2024, is an emission nebula about 1,500 light-years away. The Horsehead Nebula (centre of image) is a dark nebula some 1,375 light years distant and like the Flame Nebula is part of the much larger Orion Molecular Cloud Complex.
The image is composed from 72*5 minute exposures taken in January 2016, February 2022 and January 2024. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star71 F4.9.
The image shows 2 nebulae in the constellation of Orion near to the left most star in the belt, Alnitak (the bright star just left of centre in the image).
The Flame Nebula (just below Alnitak), NGC 2024, is an emission nebula about 1,500 light-years away. The Horsehead Nebula (centre of image) is a dark nebula some 1,375 light years distant and like the Flame Nebula is part of the much larger Orion Molecular Cloud Complex.
The image is composed from 72*5 minute exposures taken in January 2016, February 2022 and January 2024. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star71 F4.9.
NGC281 - PacMan Nebula in Cassiopeia
NGC281 PacMan Nebula
NGC281, the PacMan nebula is a region of hydrogen illuminated by a group of stars in the centre. The nebula is about 10,000 light years away.
The image is composed from 31 images of 5 minutes exposure taken in December 2023. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star71 F4.9.
The image is composed from 31 images of 5 minutes exposure taken in December 2023. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star71 F4.9.
M33 - Triangulum Galaxy
M33 Triangulum Galaxy
The Triangulum Galaxy is a spiral galaxy approximately 3 million light years from Earth in the constellation of Triangulum. It is catalogued as Messier 33 or NGC598, and is sometimes informally referred to as the Pinwheel Galaxy. The Triangulum Galaxy is the third-largest member of the Local Group of galaxies.
The image is composed from 54 images of 5 minutes exposure taken in November 2023. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star71 F4.9.
The image is composed from 54 images of 5 minutes exposure taken in November 2023. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star71 F4.9.
The Iris & Ghost Nebulae in Cepheus
This image shows 2 reflection nebulae in the constellation of Cepheus.
To the right of centre is the Iris Nebula, NGC7023. It is around 1,300 light-years away and is 6 light-years across.
Left of centre is the Ghost Nebula (Sh2-136) which is over 2 light-years across. There are several stars embedded, whose emissions make the nebula shine in a brownish colour.
The image is composed from 88*5 minute exposures taken in October 2023 and September/October 2015. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star71 F4.9
This image shows 2 reflection nebulae in the constellation of Cepheus.
To the right of centre is the Iris Nebula, NGC7023. It is around 1,300 light-years away and is 6 light-years across.
Left of centre is the Ghost Nebula (Sh2-136) which is over 2 light-years across. There are several stars embedded, whose emissions make the nebula shine in a brownish colour.
The image is composed from 88*5 minute exposures taken in October 2023 and September/October 2015. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star71 F4.9
M31 - The Andromeda Galaxy
M31, the Andromeda Galaxy is a spiral galaxy approximately 2.5 million light-years away. It is the nearest major galaxy to the Milky Way and at approximately 220,000 light years across, it is the largest member of the Local Group of galaxies.
The image is composed from 129*5 minute exposures taken in October 2023 and November 2015. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star71 F4.9.
M31, the Andromeda Galaxy is a spiral galaxy approximately 2.5 million light-years away. It is the nearest major galaxy to the Milky Way and at approximately 220,000 light years across, it is the largest member of the Local Group of galaxies.
The image is composed from 129*5 minute exposures taken in October 2023 and November 2015. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star71 F4.9.
NGC7000 (North America Nebula) & IC5070 (Pelican Nebula) in Cygnus
NGC7000 & IC5070
The image shows 2 formations in the same region of ionised hydrogen gas: NGC7000, the North America Nebula and IC5070, the Pelican Nebula. A region of interstellar dust lies in between the Earth and the nebulae, and this is what separates and defines the two formations. The nebulae are in the constellation of Cygnus near to the star Deneb and are approximately 1,800 light years away.
The image is composed from 51*5 minute exposures taken in September 2023 and August 2015. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star71 F4.9.
The image is composed from 51*5 minute exposures taken in September 2023 and August 2015. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star71 F4.9.
The Leo Triplet
Leo Triplet
The Leo Triplet is a small group of galaxies about 35 million light-years away in the constellation of Leo. This galaxy group consists of the spiral galaxies M65 (lower left), M66 (upper left), and NGC3628 aka the Hamburger Galaxy (right).
The image is composed from 49*5 minute exposures taken in March & April 2023. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star 71 F4.9
The image is composed from 49*5 minute exposures taken in March & April 2023. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star 71 F4.9
NGC2237 - Rosette Nebula in Monoceros
NGC2237, the Rosette Nebula is a large, circular region of ionised gas located in the constellation of Monoceros. It is about 5,200 light years from the Earth and about 130 light years in diameter. The open cluster within the nebula, NGC 2244, is closely associated with the nebulosity, the stars of the cluster having been formed from the nebula's matter.
The image is composed from 42*5 minute exposures taken in February 2015 and March 2023. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star 71 F4.9
NGC2237, the Rosette Nebula is a large, circular region of ionised gas located in the constellation of Monoceros. It is about 5,200 light years from the Earth and about 130 light years in diameter. The open cluster within the nebula, NGC 2244, is closely associated with the nebulosity, the stars of the cluster having been formed from the nebula's matter.
The image is composed from 42*5 minute exposures taken in February 2015 and March 2023. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star 71 F4.9
Double Cluster in Perseus
The Double Cluster consists of the open clusters NGC869 and NGC884, which are close together in the constellation of Perseus. Both clusters are approximately 7,500 light years away.
Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star71 F4.9. 43*5 mins taken in February 2023.
The Double Cluster consists of the open clusters NGC869 and NGC884, which are close together in the constellation of Perseus. Both clusters are approximately 7,500 light years away.
Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star71 F4.9. 43*5 mins taken in February 2023.
M81 - Bode's Galaxy in Ursa Major
Messier 81, Bode's Galaxy, is a spiral galaxy about 12 million light-years away in the constellation of Ursa Major. It was discovered by Johann Elert Bode on December 31, 1774.
Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC F8. 115*5 mins from images taken in 2014 & 2017, reprocessed in February 2023.
Messier 81, Bode's Galaxy, is a spiral galaxy about 12 million light-years away in the constellation of Ursa Major. It was discovered by Johann Elert Bode on December 31, 1774.
Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC F8. 115*5 mins from images taken in 2014 & 2017, reprocessed in February 2023.
M45 - The Pleiades in Taurus
M45, The Pleiades
M45, the Pleiades, is an open star cluster containing hot B-type stars that have formed within the last 100 million years. The cluster is located in the constellation of Taurus and is about 450 light years away.
Dust that forms a faint reflection nebulosity around the brightest stars was thought at first to be left over from the formation of the cluster, but is now known to be an unrelated dust cloud in the interstellar medium, through which the stars are currently passing.
The image is composed from 32*5 minute exposures taken in February 2015 & February 2023. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star 71 F4.9
Dust that forms a faint reflection nebulosity around the brightest stars was thought at first to be left over from the formation of the cluster, but is now known to be an unrelated dust cloud in the interstellar medium, through which the stars are currently passing.
The image is composed from 32*5 minute exposures taken in February 2015 & February 2023. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star 71 F4.9
M33 - Triangulum Galaxy
M33 Triangulum Galaxy
The Triangulum Galaxy is a spiral galaxy approximately 3 million light years from Earth in the constellation of Triangulum. It is catalogued as Messier 33 or NGC598, and is sometimes informally referred to as the Pinwheel Galaxy. The Triangulum Galaxy is the third-largest member of the Local Group of galaxies.
The image is composed from 124 images of 5 minutes exposure taken in November 2012 & November 2021. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC + CCDT67 F5.4.
The image is composed from 124 images of 5 minutes exposure taken in November 2012 & November 2021. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC + CCDT67 F5.4.
M27 - Dumbbell Nebula in Vulpecula
M27, the Dumbbell Nebula is a planetary nebula in the constellation of Vulpecula, at a distance of about 1227 light-years.
The image is composed from 111 images of 5 minutes exposure taken in Sept 2020 & 2021. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC F8.
M27, the Dumbbell Nebula is a planetary nebula in the constellation of Vulpecula, at a distance of about 1227 light-years.
The image is composed from 111 images of 5 minutes exposure taken in Sept 2020 & 2021. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC F8.
M15 - Globular Cluster in Pegasus
M15
Messier 15 is a globular cluster in the constellation of Pegasus and lies about 35,000 light years away. It was discovered by Jean-Dominique Maraldi in 1746 and included in Charles Messier's catalogue of comet-like objects in 1764. At an estimated 12.0 billion years old, it is one of the oldest known globular clusters.
The image is composed from 76*5 minute exposures taken in 2014, 2017 & 2021.
Scope: AA8RC F8; Camera: QHY8L.
The image is composed from 76*5 minute exposures taken in 2014, 2017 & 2021.
Scope: AA8RC F8; Camera: QHY8L.
M51 Whirlpool Galaxy in Canes Venatici
M51 Whirlpool Galaxy
M51, the Whirlpool Galaxy is an interacting spiral galaxy in the constellation of Canes Venatici. It is approximately 25 million light-years away.
The image is composed from 100*5 minute exposures taken in April 2015 and May 2021. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC F8.
The image is composed from 100*5 minute exposures taken in April 2015 and May 2021. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC F8.
NGC7640 - Spiral Galaxy in Andromeda
NGC 7640 is a barred spiral galaxy in the constellation of Andromeda. It is about 30 million light years away.
The image is composed from 86 images of 5 minutes exposure taken between 3rd & 5th November 2020. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC F8.
NGC 7640 is a barred spiral galaxy in the constellation of Andromeda. It is about 30 million light years away.
The image is composed from 86 images of 5 minutes exposure taken between 3rd & 5th November 2020. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC F8.
M101 - Pinwheel Galaxy in Ursa Major
M101, the Pinwheel Galaxy is a face-on spiral galaxy about 21 million light-years away in the constellation of Ursa Major. It has a diameter of 170,000 light-years, making it roughly equal to the size of the Milky Way
Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC F8. 110*5 mins from images taken in 2015, 2016 & 2020.
M101, the Pinwheel Galaxy is a face-on spiral galaxy about 21 million light-years away in the constellation of Ursa Major. It has a diameter of 170,000 light-years, making it roughly equal to the size of the Milky Way
Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC F8. 110*5 mins from images taken in 2015, 2016 & 2020.
NGC4631 & NGC4656 Galaxies in Canes Venatici
This image contains two galaxies NGC4631 & NGC4656 in the constellation of Canes Venatici
NGC 4631, the Whale Galaxy is a barred spiral galaxy. This galaxy's slightly distorted wedge shape gives it the appearance of a herring or a whale, hence its nickname. It is approximately 30 million lights away. just above the galaxy is a nearby companion dwarf elliptical galaxy, NGC 4627.
NGC 4656 is a highly warped barred spiral galaxy andis sometimes informally called the Hockey Stick or Crowbar Galaxy.
The image is composed from 80 images of 300 seconds exposure taken in March/April 2020. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC with CCDT67 focal reducer F5.4.
This image contains two galaxies NGC4631 & NGC4656 in the constellation of Canes Venatici
NGC 4631, the Whale Galaxy is a barred spiral galaxy. This galaxy's slightly distorted wedge shape gives it the appearance of a herring or a whale, hence its nickname. It is approximately 30 million lights away. just above the galaxy is a nearby companion dwarf elliptical galaxy, NGC 4627.
NGC 4656 is a highly warped barred spiral galaxy andis sometimes informally called the Hockey Stick or Crowbar Galaxy.
The image is composed from 80 images of 300 seconds exposure taken in March/April 2020. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC with CCDT67 focal reducer F5.4.
M35 & NGC2158 Clusters in Gemini
M35, also known as NGC 2168, is an open cluster of stars in the constellation of Gemini. The cluster is scattered over an area of the sky almost the size of the full moon and is located 3,870 light-years from Earth.
To the south west of M35 is the compact open cluster NGC 2158. The two clusters are unrelated, as NGC 2158 is around 9,000 light years further away than M35.
The image is composed from 65 images of 180 seconds exposure taken in March 2020. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC with CCDT67 focal reducer F5.4.
M35, also known as NGC 2168, is an open cluster of stars in the constellation of Gemini. The cluster is scattered over an area of the sky almost the size of the full moon and is located 3,870 light-years from Earth.
To the south west of M35 is the compact open cluster NGC 2158. The two clusters are unrelated, as NGC 2158 is around 9,000 light years further away than M35.
The image is composed from 65 images of 180 seconds exposure taken in March 2020. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC with CCDT67 focal reducer F5.4.
NGC2903 Galaxy in Leo
NGC 2903 is a field barred spiral galaxy about 30 million light-years away in the constellation of Leo.
The image is composed from 66 images of 300 seconds exposure taken in February 2020. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC F8.
NGC 2903 is a field barred spiral galaxy about 30 million light-years away in the constellation of Leo.
The image is composed from 66 images of 300 seconds exposure taken in February 2020. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC F8.
M33, the Triangulum Galaxy
The Triangulum Galaxy is a spiral galaxy approximately 3 million light years from Earth in the constellation of Triangulum. It is catalogued as Messier 33 or NGC598, and is sometimes informally referred to as the Pinwheel Galaxy. The Triangulum Galaxy is the third-largest member of the Local Group of galaxies.
This is an LRGB image composed of:
62*3 minutes Luminance
11*3 minutes Red
11*3 minutes Green
13*3 minutes Blue
Images taken Oct/Nov 2019. Camera - ASI1600 @ -20deg C, unity gain; Scope - WO Star71
The Triangulum Galaxy is a spiral galaxy approximately 3 million light years from Earth in the constellation of Triangulum. It is catalogued as Messier 33 or NGC598, and is sometimes informally referred to as the Pinwheel Galaxy. The Triangulum Galaxy is the third-largest member of the Local Group of galaxies.
This is an LRGB image composed of:
62*3 minutes Luminance
11*3 minutes Red
11*3 minutes Green
13*3 minutes Blue
Images taken Oct/Nov 2019. Camera - ASI1600 @ -20deg C, unity gain; Scope - WO Star71
IC5146, the Cocoon Nebula in Cygnus
IC 5146, the Cocoon Nebula is a reflection/emission nebula in the constellation of Cygnus. The nebula is about 4,000 light years away and about 15 light years across. The central star that lights it formed about 100,000 years ago.
This is an LRGB image composed of:
38*3 minutes Luminance
51*3 minutes Red
49*3 minutes Green
50*3 minutes Blue
Images taken Sep/Oct 2019. Camera - ASI1600 @ -20deg C, unity gain; Scope - WO Star71
IC 5146, the Cocoon Nebula is a reflection/emission nebula in the constellation of Cygnus. The nebula is about 4,000 light years away and about 15 light years across. The central star that lights it formed about 100,000 years ago.
This is an LRGB image composed of:
38*3 minutes Luminance
51*3 minutes Red
49*3 minutes Green
50*3 minutes Blue
Images taken Sep/Oct 2019. Camera - ASI1600 @ -20deg C, unity gain; Scope - WO Star71
NGC2403 - Spiral Galaxy in Camelopardalis
NGC2403
NGC2403 is an intermediate spiral galaxy in the constellation of Camelopardalis and is approximately 8 million light-years away. It is about 50,000 light years in diameter and containing many star-forming regions.
The image is composed from 63*5 minute exposures taken in March 2015 & March 2019. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC F8.
The image is composed from 63*5 minute exposures taken in March 2015 & March 2019. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC F8.
Region Around NGC2245 in Monoceros
NGC2245 (centre of image) and NGC2247 (just to the left) are two reflection nebulae in the constellation of Monoceros. They are approximately 2,500 light years away. Also in the field of view can be seen IC2169, the large blue reflection nebula above and to the right of NGC2245, and IC2167, the smaller blue nebula above and to the left.
Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star71 F4.9. 81*5min, Jan/Feb 2019.
NGC2245 (centre of image) and NGC2247 (just to the left) are two reflection nebulae in the constellation of Monoceros. They are approximately 2,500 light years away. Also in the field of view can be seen IC2169, the large blue reflection nebula above and to the right of NGC2245, and IC2167, the smaller blue nebula above and to the left.
Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star71 F4.9. 81*5min, Jan/Feb 2019.
IC5070 - Pelican Nebula in Cygnus
IC5070, the Pelican Nebula is an HII region associated with the North America Nebula in the constellation of Cygnus. The gaseous contortions of this emission nebula bear a resemblance to a pelican, giving rise to its name. The Pelican Nebula is located nearby first magnitude star Deneb, and is divided from its more prominent neighbour, the North America Nebula, by a molecular cloud filled with dark dust. It is approximately 1,800 light years away.
Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star71 F4.9. 24*5 mins, 9th October 2018.
IC5070, the Pelican Nebula is an HII region associated with the North America Nebula in the constellation of Cygnus. The gaseous contortions of this emission nebula bear a resemblance to a pelican, giving rise to its name. The Pelican Nebula is located nearby first magnitude star Deneb, and is divided from its more prominent neighbour, the North America Nebula, by a molecular cloud filled with dark dust. It is approximately 1,800 light years away.
Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star71 F4.9. 24*5 mins, 9th October 2018.
M109 - Barred Spiral Galaxy in Ursa Major
Messier 109 is a barred spiral galaxy in the constellation of Ursa Major. It is approximately 84 million light-years away.
The image is composed from 65*5 minute exposures taken in April2018. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC F8.
Messier 109 is a barred spiral galaxy in the constellation of Ursa Major. It is approximately 84 million light-years away.
The image is composed from 65*5 minute exposures taken in April2018. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC F8.
M106 - Spiral Galaxy in Canes Venatici
Messier 106 is an intermediate spiral galaxy in the constellation of Canes Venatici. It was discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1781. It is about 22 to 25 million light-years away from Earth.
The image is composed from 58*5 minute exposures taken in March 2018. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC F8.
Messier 106 is an intermediate spiral galaxy in the constellation of Canes Venatici. It was discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1781. It is about 22 to 25 million light-years away from Earth.
The image is composed from 58*5 minute exposures taken in March 2018. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC F8.
M74 - Phantom Galaxy in Pisces
Messier 74 (also known as NGC 628) is a spiral galaxy in the constellation of Pisces. It is approximately 32 million light-years away from Earth. It is estimated that the galaxy contains around 100 billion stars.
This is an LRGB image composed of: 177*3 minutes Luminance; 40*3 minutes for each of the RGB filters. Images taken 16th-19th November 2017. Camera - ASI1600 @ -20deg C, unity gain; Scope - AA8RC F8; LPR Filter.
Messier 74 (also known as NGC 628) is a spiral galaxy in the constellation of Pisces. It is approximately 32 million light-years away from Earth. It is estimated that the galaxy contains around 100 billion stars.
This is an LRGB image composed of: 177*3 minutes Luminance; 40*3 minutes for each of the RGB filters. Images taken 16th-19th November 2017. Camera - ASI1600 @ -20deg C, unity gain; Scope - AA8RC F8; LPR Filter.
M78 - Reflection Nebula in Orion
M78 is a reflection nebula in the constellation of Orion and is about 1,600 light years from Earth. M78 is the brightest diffuse reflection nebula made up of a group of nebulae belonging to the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex.
The image is composed from 67*5 minute exposures taken during January and February 2017. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC with CCDT67 focal reducer F5.4.
NGC1491 - Nebula in Perseus
NGC1491 is an H II region located in the constellation of Perseus. It is approximately 10,700 light years away.
The image is composed from 90*5 minute exposures taken between the 25th & 28th November 2016. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC F8.
NGC1491 is an H II region located in the constellation of Perseus. It is approximately 10,700 light years away.
The image is composed from 90*5 minute exposures taken between the 25th & 28th November 2016. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC F8.
NGC891 - Outer Limits Galaxy in Andromeda
NGC891, the "Outer Limits" galaxy is an edge-on unbarred spiral galaxy about 30 million light-years away in the constellation of Andromeda. It was discovered by William Herschel on October 6, 1784.
The image is composed from 61*5 minute exposures taken between the 28th October & 1st November 2016. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC F8.
NGC891, the "Outer Limits" galaxy is an edge-on unbarred spiral galaxy about 30 million light-years away in the constellation of Andromeda. It was discovered by William Herschel on October 6, 1784.
The image is composed from 61*5 minute exposures taken between the 28th October & 1st November 2016. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC F8.
NGC7538 - Nebula in Cepheus
NGC7538, is an emission and reflection nebula in the constellation of Cepheus. It is located about 9,100 light-years from Earth. It is home to the biggest yet discovered protostar which is about 300 times the size of the Solar System.
The image is composed from 75*5 minute exposures taken between the 29th September & 2nd October 2016. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC F8.
NGC7538, is an emission and reflection nebula in the constellation of Cepheus. It is located about 9,100 light-years from Earth. It is home to the biggest yet discovered protostar which is about 300 times the size of the Solar System.
The image is composed from 75*5 minute exposures taken between the 29th September & 2nd October 2016. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC F8.
IC1848 - Soul Nebula in Cassiopeia
IC1848, the Soul Nebula is emission nebulae in Cassiopeia and is about 6,500 light years away. Several small open clusters are embedded in the nebula.
Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star71 F4.9. 46*5 mins, 6th & 7th March 2016.
IC1848, the Soul Nebula is emission nebulae in Cassiopeia and is about 6,500 light years away. Several small open clusters are embedded in the nebula.
Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star71 F4.9. 46*5 mins, 6th & 7th March 2016.
Milky Way Region in Auriga
The image shows a region of the Milky Way in the constellation of Auriga that has quite a few objects visible.
At the lower left is the open cluster M36, which contains at least 60 stars. It is about 4,100 light years away and about 14 light years across.
Just to the left of centre is NGC1931. It has been referred to as a "mini Orion Nebula" as like M42, it is a mixed emission-reflection nebula, and contains a small hot young star cluster centred in the emission nebula. It is about 7,000 light years away.
Just above and to the right of NGC1391 is IC417 the Spider Nebula, which is an emission nebula about 10,000 light years away.
At the very top centre is another open cluster NGC1907, which contains around 30 stars and is about 4,500 light years away.
Finally the large emission nebula at the lower right in IC410,the Tadpoles Nebula and is about 12,000 light years away. Near the centre of the nebula is a star cluster (NGC1893) and above the cluster lies two structures that resemble tadpoles. These structures are made from hydrogen and dust left from the formation of the cluster and the "tails" have been formed from the solar wind coming from the stars of NGC 1893.
The image is composed from 33*5 minute exposures taken on the 28th February 2016. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star71 F4.9.
The image shows a region of the Milky Way in the constellation of Auriga that has quite a few objects visible.
At the lower left is the open cluster M36, which contains at least 60 stars. It is about 4,100 light years away and about 14 light years across.
Just to the left of centre is NGC1931. It has been referred to as a "mini Orion Nebula" as like M42, it is a mixed emission-reflection nebula, and contains a small hot young star cluster centred in the emission nebula. It is about 7,000 light years away.
Just above and to the right of NGC1391 is IC417 the Spider Nebula, which is an emission nebula about 10,000 light years away.
At the very top centre is another open cluster NGC1907, which contains around 30 stars and is about 4,500 light years away.
Finally the large emission nebula at the lower right in IC410,the Tadpoles Nebula and is about 12,000 light years away. Near the centre of the nebula is a star cluster (NGC1893) and above the cluster lies two structures that resemble tadpoles. These structures are made from hydrogen and dust left from the formation of the cluster and the "tails" have been formed from the solar wind coming from the stars of NGC 1893.
The image is composed from 33*5 minute exposures taken on the 28th February 2016. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star71 F4.9.
IC443 - Jellyfish Nebula in Gemini
IC443 (Sh2-248), the Jellyfish Nebula (upper left) is a galactic supernova remnant (SNR) in the constellation of Gemini. Its distance is approximately 5,000 light years from Earth. At the bottom centre of the image is the nebula region Sh2-249.
The image is composed from 47*5 minute exposures taken on the 10th February 2016. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star71 F4.9
IC443 (Sh2-248), the Jellyfish Nebula (upper left) is a galactic supernova remnant (SNR) in the constellation of Gemini. Its distance is approximately 5,000 light years from Earth. At the bottom centre of the image is the nebula region Sh2-249.
The image is composed from 47*5 minute exposures taken on the 10th February 2016. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star71 F4.9
The Veil Nebula in Cygnus
The Veil Nebula is a cloud of heated and ionized gas and dust in the constellation of Cygnus. It is the remnant of a supernova that exploded some 5,000 to 8,000 years ago and is approximately 1,470 light years away.
The image is composed from 41*5 minute exposures taken between the 10th & 12th September 2015. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star71 F4.9.
The Veil Nebula is a cloud of heated and ionized gas and dust in the constellation of Cygnus. It is the remnant of a supernova that exploded some 5,000 to 8,000 years ago and is approximately 1,470 light years away.
The image is composed from 41*5 minute exposures taken between the 10th & 12th September 2015. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star71 F4.9.
IC410 (Tadpoles) & IC405 (Flaming Star) Nebulae in Auriga
IC410 & IC405
This image contains 2 nebulae in the constellation of Auriga: on the left is IC410, the Tadpoles Nebula and on the right is IC 405, the Flaming Star Nebula
IC410, the Tadpoles Nebula is an emission nebula approximately 12,000 light years away. Near the centre of the nebula is a star cluster (NGC1893) and above the cluster lies two structures that resemble tadpoles. These structures are made from hydrogen and dust left from the formation of the cluster and the "tails" have been formed from the solar wind coming from the stars of NGC1893.
IC405, the Flaming Star Nebula is an emission/reflection nebula surrounding the bluish star AE Aurigae and is approximately 1,500 light-years away.
The image is composed from 57*5 minute exposures taken between the 8th and 11th March 2015. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star 71 F4.9
IC410, the Tadpoles Nebula is an emission nebula approximately 12,000 light years away. Near the centre of the nebula is a star cluster (NGC1893) and above the cluster lies two structures that resemble tadpoles. These structures are made from hydrogen and dust left from the formation of the cluster and the "tails" have been formed from the solar wind coming from the stars of NGC1893.
IC405, the Flaming Star Nebula is an emission/reflection nebula surrounding the bluish star AE Aurigae and is approximately 1,500 light-years away.
The image is composed from 57*5 minute exposures taken between the 8th and 11th March 2015. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - WO Star 71 F4.9
IC443 - Jellyfish Nebula in Gemini
IC443 Jellyfish Nebula
IC443, the Jellyfish Nebula is a galactic supernova remnant (SNR) in the constellation of Gemini. Its distance is approximately 5,000 light years from Earth.
The image is composed from 41*5 minute exposures taken on the 8th February 2015. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC with CCDT67 Focal Reducer F5.4
The image is composed from 41*5 minute exposures taken on the 8th February 2015. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC with CCDT67 Focal Reducer F5.4
IC405 - Flaming Star Nebula in Auriga
IC405 Flaming Star Nebula
IC405, the Flaming Star Nebula is an emission/reflection nebula in the constellation of Auriga, surrounding the bluish star AE Aurigae. It is approximately 1,500 light-years away.
The image is composed from 35*5 minute exposures taken December 2014/January 2015. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC with CCDT67 Focal Reducer F5.4
The image is composed from 35*5 minute exposures taken December 2014/January 2015. Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC with CCDT67 Focal Reducer F5.4
Sh2-132 - Emission Nebula in Cepheus
Sh2-132
Sh2-132 is an emission nebula in the constellation of Cepheus and is about 10,400 light years away.
HaRGB composite.
RGB: Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC with CCDT67 Focal Reducer F5.4 - 64*5 Mins; Date: 2014-11-12&23
Ha: Camera - SXV-H9; Scope - IKI70ED F6 - 17*10 Mins; Date: 2014-11-23
HaRGB composite.
RGB: Camera - QHY8L; Scope - AA8RC with CCDT67 Focal Reducer F5.4 - 64*5 Mins; Date: 2014-11-12&23
Ha: Camera - SXV-H9; Scope - IKI70ED F6 - 17*10 Mins; Date: 2014-11-23
Deer Lick & Stephan's Quintet in Pegasus
Deer Lick & Stephan's Quintet
At the lower left there is the Deer Lick Group, the brightest being NGC 7331 (also known as Caldwell 30) which is a spiral galaxy about 40 million light years away. It was discovered by William Herschel in 1784.
In the upper right is Stephan's Quintet, a visual grouping of five galaxies. The group was discovered by Édouard Stephan in 1877 at Marseille Observatory. The brightest member of the visual grouping is NGC 7320 is about 39 million light years away.
Scope: AA8RC F8; Camera: QHY8L Exposure - 86*5 Mins; Date: 2014-09-20 to 2014-09-24
In the upper right is Stephan's Quintet, a visual grouping of five galaxies. The group was discovered by Édouard Stephan in 1877 at Marseille Observatory. The brightest member of the visual grouping is NGC 7320 is about 39 million light years away.
Scope: AA8RC F8; Camera: QHY8L Exposure - 86*5 Mins; Date: 2014-09-20 to 2014-09-24
NGC 6946 & 6939 in Cepheus
NGC 6946 & 6939
In the upper left is NGC 6946 the Fireworks Galaxy, an intermediate spiral galaxy about 22.5 million light-years away that lies on the border between the constellations of Cepheus and Cygnus. In the lower right is NGC6939, an open cluster approximately 4,000 light years distant, which lies in the constellation of Cepheus.
Scope: AA8RC F8; Camera: QHY8L Exposure - 40*5 Mins; Date: 2014-08-29 to 2014-08-30
Scope: AA8RC F8; Camera: QHY8L Exposure - 40*5 Mins; Date: 2014-08-29 to 2014-08-30