NGC 7023 - Iris Nebula in LRGB

The Iris Nebula is an interesting and beautiful reflection nebula in the constellation Cepheus. Discovered by Herschel in 1794, this object is often mistakenly labeled for its associated open star cluster NGC 7023, which is present in the triangular "top hat" just above center in the image.

The Iris Nebula (LBN 487 / VDB 139) is illuminated by a central hot star named SAO 19158 (aka HD 200775), which is 10 times the mass of our sun. Although not officially designated as an emission nebula, closer examination of the above image will reveal a linear ridge on either side of SAO 19158 that represents HII emission. In addition to this small emission region, there is a much more extensive reflection component comprised of microscopic dust particles that preferentially scatter blue light from the central star. The peripheral regions are comprised of reddish dust that obscures light from background stars.

In the center of the nebula, there are several ruddy-colored wisps and filaments of dust that emit broad band red light, instead of reflecting the more typical blue light of a reflection nebula. These red regions represent extended red emission (ERE), which is a type of phospholuminescence associated with dust particles that are bombared by high energy UV radiation from SAO 19158. Recent investigation of this region has revealed radiation in the near infrared range of the spectrum, thought to be related to the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in this region of space.

Telescope: APM Astrograph 107, f/6.5 with Baader Steeltrack Focuser and 2.5'' TS FF
Mount: NEQ6 Pro with EQ Mod and XBOX Wireless Controller
Camera: ATIK 314L+
Image Scale: 1.91 arcsec/pixel
Filter: Baader L,R,G,B, IDAS LPS
Filter Wheel: Starlight Xpress Motor USB, 7x1.25''
Guide Camera: QHY5 with PHD Guiding and TS UV/IR Block
Guide Scope: Skywatcher Finderscope 8x50
Total Exp. Time: 3 hours & 36 min, Lum: 128 min(bin 1x1),R,G,B: 28,28,32 min(bin 2x2)
Temperature: Ambient (15C), CCD (-10C)
Capture: Nebulosity 2.3.0
Register, Stack: Maxim DL, CCD Stack
Processing: Photoshop CS3
Date: 29 July 2011
Location: Parnon Mount, Arcadia, GR

NGC 7293 - Helix Nebula in (L+Ha)RGB

The Helix Nebula (also known as The Helix, NGC 7293, or Caldwell 63) is a large planetary nebula (PN) located in the constellation Aquarius. Discovered by Karl Ludwig Harding, probably before 1824, this object is one of the closest to the Earth of all the bright planetary nebulae.

The estimated distance is about 215 parsecs or 700 light-years. It is similar in appearance to the Ring Nebula, whose size, age, and physical characteristics are similar to the Dumbbell Nebula, varying only in its relative proximity and the appearance from the equatorial viewing angle. The Helix has often been referred to as the Eye of God on the Internet, since about 2003.

The Helix Nebula is an example of a planetary nebula, or 'planetary' formed at the end of a star's evolution. Gases from the star in the surrounding space appear, from our vantage point, as if we are looking down a helix structure. The remnant central stellar core, known as a planetary nebula nucleus or PNN, is destined to become a white dwarf star. The observed glow of the central star is so energetic that it causes the previously expelled gases to brightly fluoresce.

Telescope: APM Astrograph 107, f/6.5 with Baader Steeltrack Focuser and 2.5'' TS FF
Mount: NEQ6 Pro with EQ Mod and XBOX Wireless Controller
Camera: ATIK 314L+
Image Scale: 1.91 arcsec/pixel
Filter: Baader Ha 7nm, Baader L,R,G,B, IDAS LPS
Filter Wheel: Starlight Xpress Motor USB, 7x1.25''
Guide Camera: QHY5 with PHD Guiding and TS UV/IR Block
Guide Scope: Skywatcher Finderscope 8x50
Total Exp. Time: 3.5 hours, Lum: 90 min(bin 1x1), Ha: 60 min(bin 1x1), R,G,B: 30,30,30 min(bin 2x2)
Temperature: Ambient (13C), CCD (-10C)
Capture: Nebulosity 2.3.0
Register, Stack: Maxim DL, CCD Stack
Processing: Photoshop CS3
Date: 30 July 2011
Location: Parnon Mount,Arcadia,GR

NGC 7293 - Helix Nebula in Wiki

M42 - Great Orion Nebula

M42 - Great Orion Nebula in LRGB




M42 - Great Orion Nebula in Luminance



The Orion Nebula (also known as Messier 42, M42, or NGC 1976) is a diffuse nebula situated south of Orion's Belt. It is one of the brightest nebulae, and is visible to the naked eye in the night sky. M42 is located at a distance of 1,344 ± 20 light years and is the closest region of massive star formation to Earth. The M42 nebula is estimated to be 24 light years across. Older texts frequently referred to the Orion Nebula as the Great Nebula in Orion or the Great Orion Nebula.

Telescope: APM Astrograph 107, f/6.5 with Baader Steeltrack Focuser and 2.5'' TS FF
Mount: NEQ6 Pro with EQ Mod and XBOX Wireless Controller
Camera: ATIK 314L+
Image Scale: 1.91 arcsec/pixel
Filter: Baader L,R,G,B, IDAS LPS
Filter Wheel: Starlight Xpress Motor USB, 7x1.25''
Guide Camera: QHY5 with PHD Guiding and TS UV/IR Block
Guide Scope: Skywatcher Finderscope 8x50
Exp. Time: L: 90min (bin 1x1), R,G,B: 15,15,15 min (bin 2x2)
Temperature: Ambient (3.5C), CCD (-5C)
Capture: Nebulosity 2.3.0
Register, Stack: Maxim DL, CCD Stack
Processing: Photoshop CS3
Date: 7 Jan 2011
Location: Ag. Panteleimon, Attica, GR

M42 - Great Orion Nebula Wiki