| NEBULAE (CLICK ON THUMBNAIL IMAGE FOR FULL-SIZE VIEW) |
M-20 (NGC-6514): A bright combination emission/reflection nebula located in the constel-
lation of Sagittarius. Its common name is the Trifid Nebula, so called because of the three
dark lanes that radiate out from the triple star at the center of the emission nebula. M-20
has a visual size in small telescopes of approximately 20 minutes of arc. It lies at a distance
of about 5,000 light years from earth. NOTE: This image was my first attempt to
photograph a diffuse nebulae. It was taken on 7/23/06, and is an integration of ten 30
second exposures thru an 80mm f/7.5 ED Refractor The images were captured and
combined using Maxim DL Essentials, with additional post-processing with Photoshop CS.
The image on the right was captured on 7/24/09 and is an integration of sixteen 40-sec.
exposures through the 80mm at f/3.75, Processed in Nebulosity v.2.01
lation of Sagittarius. Its common name is the Trifid Nebula, so called because of the three
dark lanes that radiate out from the triple star at the center of the emission nebula. M-20
has a visual size in small telescopes of approximately 20 minutes of arc. It lies at a distance
of about 5,000 light years from earth. NOTE: This image was my first attempt to
photograph a diffuse nebulae. It was taken on 7/23/06, and is an integration of ten 30
second exposures thru an 80mm f/7.5 ED Refractor The images were captured and
combined using Maxim DL Essentials, with additional post-processing with Photoshop CS.
The image on the right was captured on 7/24/09 and is an integration of sixteen 40-sec.
exposures through the 80mm at f/3.75, Processed in Nebulosity v.2.01
M-27 (NGC-6853): A bright planetary nebula located about 25 minutes of arc south of the
star 14 Vulpeculae. M-27 was discovered by Messier in 1764. Its common name, "Dumbbell
Nebula" derives from its visual appearance of two rounded ends joined by a narrow waist.
In photographs, the ends display arcs of nebulosity which almost meet on long exposures.
M-27 lies at a distance of approximately 900 light years from earth. Its visual size of 8 X 5
minutes of arc corresponds to an actual diameter of 2 light years. It is an immense shell of
gas being expelled by a dying star, which is now the white dwarf which is visible at the center
of the object.
NOTE: This image was captured on 7/23/06, and is an integration of ten 30 second
exposures through an 80mm f/7.5 ED Apochromatic Refractor. The images were captured
and combined in Maxim DL Essentials, with post-processing in Photoshop CS.
star 14 Vulpeculae. M-27 was discovered by Messier in 1764. Its common name, "Dumbbell
Nebula" derives from its visual appearance of two rounded ends joined by a narrow waist.
In photographs, the ends display arcs of nebulosity which almost meet on long exposures.
M-27 lies at a distance of approximately 900 light years from earth. Its visual size of 8 X 5
minutes of arc corresponds to an actual diameter of 2 light years. It is an immense shell of
gas being expelled by a dying star, which is now the white dwarf which is visible at the center
of the object.
NOTE: This image was captured on 7/23/06, and is an integration of ten 30 second
exposures through an 80mm f/7.5 ED Apochromatic Refractor. The images were captured
and combined in Maxim DL Essentials, with post-processing in Photoshop CS.
M-8 (NGC-6523): One of the finest diffuse nebulae in the sky, second only to The Great
Orion Nebula, M-42. It is easily visible to the unaided eye as a nebulous patch about 5
degrees west and slightly north of Lambda Sagittarii. The total extent of M-8 is over 1/2
degree, and it fills the field of a low-powered eyepiece. Best visual views are obtained using
either a UHC or an O-III filter. It is often called the "Lagoon" nebula, due to the large dark
"bay" between the brightest part of the nebula to the right and the star cluster NGC-6530
to the upper left. M-8 lies at a distance of approximately 5,000 light years from earth.
NOTE: This image was captured on 8/23/06, and is an integration of twenty 40 second
exposures through an 80mm f/7.5 ED Apochromatic Refractor. The images were captured
and combined in Maxim DL Essentials, with additional post-processing in Photoshop CS.
NEW IMAGE: The image on the RIGHT was captured on the morning of 6/22/07, and is
an integration of twenty-five 40 second exposures through the 80mm APO refractor, using
a .5 focal reducer at f/3.75. The faster ratio captured much additional nebulosity with the
same length of exposure. This vast cloud of hydrogen gas is continuing to hatch newborn
stars. The radiation from these hot new stars excites the hydrogen gas, making this one of
the brightest diffuse nebulae in the northern sky.
Orion Nebula, M-42. It is easily visible to the unaided eye as a nebulous patch about 5
degrees west and slightly north of Lambda Sagittarii. The total extent of M-8 is over 1/2
degree, and it fills the field of a low-powered eyepiece. Best visual views are obtained using
either a UHC or an O-III filter. It is often called the "Lagoon" nebula, due to the large dark
"bay" between the brightest part of the nebula to the right and the star cluster NGC-6530
to the upper left. M-8 lies at a distance of approximately 5,000 light years from earth.
NOTE: This image was captured on 8/23/06, and is an integration of twenty 40 second
exposures through an 80mm f/7.5 ED Apochromatic Refractor. The images were captured
and combined in Maxim DL Essentials, with additional post-processing in Photoshop CS.
NEW IMAGE: The image on the RIGHT was captured on the morning of 6/22/07, and is
an integration of twenty-five 40 second exposures through the 80mm APO refractor, using
a .5 focal reducer at f/3.75. The faster ratio captured much additional nebulosity with the
same length of exposure. This vast cloud of hydrogen gas is continuing to hatch newborn
stars. The radiation from these hot new stars excites the hydrogen gas, making this one of
the brightest diffuse nebulae in the northern sky.
M-17 (NGC-6618): Located near the northern border of the constellation Sagittarius, about
2 degrees NNE of the center of the Small Sagittarius Star Cloud. The nebula somewhat
resembles an upside-down swan. The long bright streak to the north is approximately 20
minutes of arc in length. The curving "swan's neck" is actually a cloud of glowing hydrogen
gas which is partially obscured by a dark cloud, which forms the hollow of the neck. This
nebula is approximately 5,700 light years distant.
NOTE: This image was captured on 8/23/06, and is an integration of twenty-five 30 second
exposures through an 80mm f/7.5 ED Apochromatic Refractor. The images were captured
and combined in Maxim DL Essentials, with additional post-processing in Photoshop CS.
2 degrees NNE of the center of the Small Sagittarius Star Cloud. The nebula somewhat
resembles an upside-down swan. The long bright streak to the north is approximately 20
minutes of arc in length. The curving "swan's neck" is actually a cloud of glowing hydrogen
gas which is partially obscured by a dark cloud, which forms the hollow of the neck. This
nebula is approximately 5,700 light years distant.
NOTE: This image was captured on 8/23/06, and is an integration of twenty-five 30 second
exposures through an 80mm f/7.5 ED Apochromatic Refractor. The images were captured
and combined in Maxim DL Essentials, with additional post-processing in Photoshop CS.
NGC-7293: Commonly called the "Helix Nebula", this is the largest and closest of all the
planetary nebulae. It is located in the constellation of Aquarius. It has a diameter of over 12
X 16 minutes of arc, making it almost half the size of the full moon. At its distance of over
450 light years, this corresponds to an actual diameter of almost 1.75 light years.NOTE:
The first image was captured on the morning of 8/24/06, and is an integration of fifteen 100
second exposures through an 80mm f/7.5 ED Apochromatic Refractor. The images were
captured and combined using Maxim DL Essentials, with additional post-processing in
Photoshop CS. The second and third images are two different versions of an image which
was captured on the morning of 10/30/08 through the 80mm APO using the focal reducer
for an f/ratio of 3.75. Each image is an integration of twenty-five 80 second exposures. The
second was processed in Maxim DL Essentials, and the third was processed using
Nebulosity v. 1.7.
planetary nebulae. It is located in the constellation of Aquarius. It has a diameter of over 12
X 16 minutes of arc, making it almost half the size of the full moon. At its distance of over
450 light years, this corresponds to an actual diameter of almost 1.75 light years.NOTE:
The first image was captured on the morning of 8/24/06, and is an integration of fifteen 100
second exposures through an 80mm f/7.5 ED Apochromatic Refractor. The images were
captured and combined using Maxim DL Essentials, with additional post-processing in
Photoshop CS. The second and third images are two different versions of an image which
was captured on the morning of 10/30/08 through the 80mm APO using the focal reducer
for an f/ratio of 3.75. Each image is an integration of twenty-five 80 second exposures. The
second was processed in Maxim DL Essentials, and the third was processed using
Nebulosity v. 1.7.
NGC-6960: Commonly called the western arc of the Veil Nebula. This
diffuse nebula is located in the eastern part of the constellation of Cygnus
the swan. It is a supernova remnant, the remains of the titanic explosion
of a star which took place over 45,000 years ago. It and the eastern arc
(NGC-6992) are still expanding from this explosion, forming an immense
bubble of gas that is still expanding at a rate of almost 45 miles per
second. The bright star in the lower left corner is 52 Cygni. The faint
filamentary structure in the photo can even be observed visually, using
an Oxygen-III filter.
NOTE: This image was captured on 9/25/06, and is an integration of
twenty-five 120 sec. exposures through an 80mm f/7.5 ED APO Refractor.
The images were captured and combined using Maxim DL Essentials, with
additonal post-processing in Photoshop CS.
diffuse nebula is located in the eastern part of the constellation of Cygnus
the swan. It is a supernova remnant, the remains of the titanic explosion
of a star which took place over 45,000 years ago. It and the eastern arc
(NGC-6992) are still expanding from this explosion, forming an immense
bubble of gas that is still expanding at a rate of almost 45 miles per
second. The bright star in the lower left corner is 52 Cygni. The faint
filamentary structure in the photo can even be observed visually, using
an Oxygen-III filter.
NOTE: This image was captured on 9/25/06, and is an integration of
twenty-five 120 sec. exposures through an 80mm f/7.5 ED APO Refractor.
The images were captured and combined using Maxim DL Essentials, with
additonal post-processing in Photoshop CS.
NGC-6992: Commonly called the eastern arc of the Veil Nebula. This eastern arc lies
about 2.5 degrees to the ENE of NGC-6960, and is the other arc of the huge bubble of
gas that is still expanding from the supernova which took place over 45,000 years ago!
These two arcs lie at a distance of approximately 1500 light years from earth.
NOTE: This image was captured on 9/25/06, and is an integration of twenty-five 120 sec.
exposures through an 80mm f/7.5 ED Apochromatic Refractor. The images were captured
and combined using Maxim DL Essentials, with additional post-processing in Photoshop
CS.
about 2.5 degrees to the ENE of NGC-6960, and is the other arc of the huge bubble of
gas that is still expanding from the supernova which took place over 45,000 years ago!
These two arcs lie at a distance of approximately 1500 light years from earth.
NOTE: This image was captured on 9/25/06, and is an integration of twenty-five 120 sec.
exposures through an 80mm f/7.5 ED Apochromatic Refractor. The images were captured
and combined using Maxim DL Essentials, with additional post-processing in Photoshop
CS.
 |
M-1 (NGC-1952): A supernova remnant located in the constellation of Taurus, the bull,
about 67 minutes of arc northwest of Zeta Tauri (the star which marks the southern tip of
the bull's horn. Discovered by John Bevis in 1731. This expanding cloud of gas is the
remnant of a supernova explosion in the year 1054 A.D., which was well-documented by
chinese astronomers. NOTE: This image was captured on the evening of February 23,
2007, and is an integration of thirty-five 35 second images thru an 80mm f/7.5 APO
refractor. The images were captured and combined in Maxim DL Essentials and
post-processed using Photoshop CS.
about 67 minutes of arc northwest of Zeta Tauri (the star which marks the southern tip of
the bull's horn. Discovered by John Bevis in 1731. This expanding cloud of gas is the
remnant of a supernova explosion in the year 1054 A.D., which was well-documented by
chinese astronomers. NOTE: This image was captured on the evening of February 23,
2007, and is an integration of thirty-five 35 second images thru an 80mm f/7.5 APO
refractor. The images were captured and combined in Maxim DL Essentials and
post-processed using Photoshop CS.
M-42 (NGC-1976): The "Great Nebula" in the Constellation of Orion. This immense cloud of gas and
dust lies at a distance of 1900 light years from earth, and is more than 30 light years across. The gas
in the nebula glows because of the intense ultraviolet radiation coming from the star Theta Orionis,
which lies at its center. The Orion Nebula is a stellar nursery, with many regions of intense star
formation. Visually, M-42 is the finest diffuse nebula in the northern hemisphere. The image on the
left represents my very first attempt to capture the Great Nebula in Orion, M-42, and is a composite of
images captured on the evening of January 25th, 2007. Thirty 2 second images, thirty 10 second
images and thirty 50 second images were combined in an attempt to capture the outer "wings" of
nebulosity, yet keep the inner "Trapezium" area from being burned out. All images were shot through
an 80mm APO refractor at f/7.5. The image on the right was captured on the morning of 11/29/08,
and is a composite of thirty-five 70-second exposures through the same instrument using a focal
reducer to shoot at f/3.75. No layering of different exposures was done, therefore the central portion
of the nebula is overexposed. Both images captured and combined using Maxim DL Essentials, with
post-processing in Photoshop CS using levels & curves, Carboni's Astronomy Tools, and NoiseWare.
dust lies at a distance of 1900 light years from earth, and is more than 30 light years across. The gas
in the nebula glows because of the intense ultraviolet radiation coming from the star Theta Orionis,
which lies at its center. The Orion Nebula is a stellar nursery, with many regions of intense star
formation. Visually, M-42 is the finest diffuse nebula in the northern hemisphere. The image on the
left represents my very first attempt to capture the Great Nebula in Orion, M-42, and is a composite of
images captured on the evening of January 25th, 2007. Thirty 2 second images, thirty 10 second
images and thirty 50 second images were combined in an attempt to capture the outer "wings" of
nebulosity, yet keep the inner "Trapezium" area from being burned out. All images were shot through
an 80mm APO refractor at f/7.5. The image on the right was captured on the morning of 11/29/08,
and is a composite of thirty-five 70-second exposures through the same instrument using a focal
reducer to shoot at f/3.75. No layering of different exposures was done, therefore the central portion
of the nebula is overexposed. Both images captured and combined using Maxim DL Essentials, with
post-processing in Photoshop CS using levels & curves, Carboni's Astronomy Tools, and NoiseWare.
The "Horsehead" Nebula (Barnard 33): This image was captured on the evening of February
20th, 2007, and is an integration of thirty-five 45 second exposures taken through the 80mm ED
Apochromatic Refractor. This is my very first attempt at this notoriously dim and difficult object.
The "Horsehead" Nebula is located just south of Zeta Orionis, the easternmost of the three "belt
stars" in Orion. Barnard 33 is actually a dark cloud of obscuring dust which blocks the light from
the nebula IC 434 (the red nebula that fills the top half of the frame). This nebula is illuminated
by the radiation from Zeta Orionis. The nebula lies at a distance of approximately 1600 light years,
and Barnard 33 is slightly closer.
20th, 2007, and is an integration of thirty-five 45 second exposures taken through the 80mm ED
Apochromatic Refractor. This is my very first attempt at this notoriously dim and difficult object.
The "Horsehead" Nebula is located just south of Zeta Orionis, the easternmost of the three "belt
stars" in Orion. Barnard 33 is actually a dark cloud of obscuring dust which blocks the light from
the nebula IC 434 (the red nebula that fills the top half of the frame). This nebula is illuminated
by the radiation from Zeta Orionis. The nebula lies at a distance of approximately 1600 light years,
and Barnard 33 is slightly closer.
NGC-2359: A faint reflection nebula in Canis Major, sometimes referred to as
"Thor's Helmet". It is illuminated by a bright, energetic Wolf-Rayet type star
near its center. Visually through most amateur telescopes, this nebula is very
faint, and requires Narrow-Band (UHC or O-III) filters to enhance contrast.
Photographically, it is much more impressive. Its common name "Thor's
Helmet" derives from the two faint arcs that extend from each edge of the
central nebula...appearing like the horns on a Viking helmet. NOTE: The left
image was captured on the evening of February 20, 2007, and is an
integration of fifteen 50-second exposures through the 80mm ED
Apochromatic refractor at f/7.5. The images were captured and stacked using
Maxim DL Essentials, with post processing using Photoshop CS and
NoiseWare. The image on the right was captured on the morning of 12/30/08,
and is a composite of twelve120 second exposures through the 80mm APO
refractor at f/3.75. Images were captured and combined in Maxim DL
Essentials, with post processing using Photoshop CS levels & curves,
Carboni's Astronomy Tools and NoiseWare.
"Thor's Helmet". It is illuminated by a bright, energetic Wolf-Rayet type star
near its center. Visually through most amateur telescopes, this nebula is very
faint, and requires Narrow-Band (UHC or O-III) filters to enhance contrast.
Photographically, it is much more impressive. Its common name "Thor's
Helmet" derives from the two faint arcs that extend from each edge of the
central nebula...appearing like the horns on a Viking helmet. NOTE: The left
image was captured on the evening of February 20, 2007, and is an
integration of fifteen 50-second exposures through the 80mm ED
Apochromatic refractor at f/7.5. The images were captured and stacked using
Maxim DL Essentials, with post processing using Photoshop CS and
NoiseWare. The image on the right was captured on the morning of 12/30/08,
and is a composite of twelve120 second exposures through the 80mm APO
refractor at f/3.75. Images were captured and combined in Maxim DL
Essentials, with post processing using Photoshop CS levels & curves,
Carboni's Astronomy Tools and NoiseWare.
NGC-1977, The "Running Man" Nebula. Located just 1/2 degree NNE of the
Great Nebula in the "sword" of Orion, and is centered on the 4th magnitude star
42 Orionis. Although it shows little detail visually through the average sized tele-
scope, photographically it shows a dark shadow of obscuring dust which resem-
bles a running human figure. This is a reflection nebula, which is illuminated by
the intensely hot 42 Orionis. Visually it is approximately 25 arcminutes in extent
This nebula lies about 1600 light years from earth.
Great Nebula in the "sword" of Orion, and is centered on the 4th magnitude star
42 Orionis. Although it shows little detail visually through the average sized tele-
scope, photographically it shows a dark shadow of obscuring dust which resem-
bles a running human figure. This is a reflection nebula, which is illuminated by
the intensely hot 42 Orionis. Visually it is approximately 25 arcminutes in extent
This nebula lies about 1600 light years from earth.
NGC-7000, The "North American" Nebula. This vast cloud of gas and dust is approximately
1600 light years from earth, and is located 3 degrees east of 1st magnitude Deneb (Alpha Cygni).
This image was captured on the evening of August 22nd, 2009, and is an integration of twelve
60-second exposures through the 80mm (3.1") refractor at f/3.75. The image was captured in
Maxim DL Essentials and was processed using Nebulosity, Photoshop CS levels & curves, Carboni's
Astronomy Tools, and NoiseWare.
This frame covers the "southern USA and Mexico" portion of the nebula.
1600 light years from earth, and is located 3 degrees east of 1st magnitude Deneb (Alpha Cygni).
This image was captured on the evening of August 22nd, 2009, and is an integration of twelve
60-second exposures through the 80mm (3.1") refractor at f/3.75. The image was captured in
Maxim DL Essentials and was processed using Nebulosity, Photoshop CS levels & curves, Carboni's
Astronomy Tools, and NoiseWare.
This frame covers the "southern USA and Mexico" portion of the nebula.
M-16 (NGC-66ll). Located 3 degrees north of M-17 near the intersection of
the Serpens-Sagittarius-Scutum borders. This is a large scattered star cluster
immersed in a vast diffuse nebula. It is commonly called the "Eagle Nebula". It
is over 25 arc-minutes in extent, almost the size of the full moon, and lies at a
distance of 8000 light years from earth. This photo clearly shows the dark
dust clouds at the center of the nebula that were made famous in the Hubble
Space Telescope image called THE PILLARS OF CREATION.
NOTE: This image was captured on the evening of August 22nd, 2009, and is
an integration of twenty 60-second exposures through the 80mm refractor at
f/3.75. Captured in Maxim DL Essentials, processed in Nebulosity, Photoshop
CS, Astronomy Tools and NoiseWare.
the Serpens-Sagittarius-Scutum borders. This is a large scattered star cluster
immersed in a vast diffuse nebula. It is commonly called the "Eagle Nebula". It
is over 25 arc-minutes in extent, almost the size of the full moon, and lies at a
distance of 8000 light years from earth. This photo clearly shows the dark
dust clouds at the center of the nebula that were made famous in the Hubble
Space Telescope image called THE PILLARS OF CREATION.
NOTE: This image was captured on the evening of August 22nd, 2009, and is
an integration of twenty 60-second exposures through the 80mm refractor at
f/3.75. Captured in Maxim DL Essentials, processed in Nebulosity, Photoshop
CS, Astronomy Tools and NoiseWare.