Starship Asterisk*

The Omega Nebula (Messier 17 or Swan Nebula), located 5,000-6,000 light-years away in Sagittarius, is a star-forming region illuminated by young, massive stars. Discovered in 1745, it spans about 15 light-years.

Intense UV radiation from these stars ionizes surrounding hydrogen gas, creating a bright H-alpha emission. The nebula's central cavity, shaped by stellar winds, is surrounded by dense gas and dust where new stars form.
This was captured with narrowband filters Ha, Sii and Oiii with a Skywatcher Esprit 120ED refractor and a monochromatic dedicated astro camera ZWOASI 294mm Pro.

More details on my Astrobin: https://www.astrobin.com/ov3n2p/

Thanks,
Devesh Pande,
Astrodarks

The Elephant Trunk Nebula, or IC 1396, is a concentration of interstellar gas and dust located 2400 light-years away in the constellation Cepheus. It is a prime example of pareidolia, where our mind tries to impose a meaningful interpretation on something that may appear, for lack of a better term, nebulous. .png

Celestron Edge HD 8 with 0.7x Reducer = FL 1370 at f7
ASI294MM Pro
Antlia 3nm Pro SHO
ZWO AM5 mount
20 hours of 300 sec exposures
Bortle 8/9 Vancouver BC
July 16, 20, and August 1st and 2nd.

The Western Veil
Astrobin | Flickr

Copyright: Anthony Parrett, Tyler Brinkley

OTA: Skywatcher MN190 Starlux
Mount: AM5
Camera: ASI2600MM
Location: Starfront Observatories

Two Cameras This photo was taken on 8/4/2024 at the NSF Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station in Antarctica and features winterover scientist Joshua Veitch-Michaelis in the foreground taking photos of the aurora australis. In the background is the South Pole Telescope, a 10-meter diameter sub-millimeter wavelength observatory operated by the University of Chicago which performs measurements of the cosmic microwave background and the dark energy driving the acceleration of the expansion of the universe.

Equipment: Canon EOS 6D
Processing: Adobe Lightroom

https://flic.kr/p/2q8qL9d
https://www.twitter.com/kevzag
Copyright: Kevin Zagorski

https://aalstronomy.be/wp-content/uploa ... 1x300s.jpg

NGC7293, The Helix Nebula, imaged from Heaven's Mirror remote observatory (Yass, Australia)
The image was made with a ZWO asi 6200 MC and f/4.8 Sharpstar 140 on 10 Micron HPS 1000 mount.
111x300s sub exposures were used.
All data was shot between 7 and 29 july, 2024.

Calibration, stacking and processing in Pixinsight.
Last touches in Affinity Photo 2.

WR 134 is a Wolf-Rayet star located in the constellation Cygnus, about 6,000 light-years from Earth. It is surrounded by a blue nebula, created by its intense stellar winds that eject matter at high speeds. This nebula, mainly composed of helium, nitrogen, and oxygen, is illuminated by the strong luminosity of WR 134. The star's spectral variations and the analysis of the nebula provide essential information on the evolution of massive stars and the processes preceding supernovae, enriching the interstellar medium with heavy elements.

Imaging Telescope : Sky-Watcher Black Diamond 200/1000
Imaging Camera : ZWO ASI1600MM Pro
Mount : Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro
Filters : Antlia 3nm Narrowband H-alpha 36 mm · Antlia 3nm Narrowband Oxygen III 36 mm · Antlia V-Pro Blue 36 mm · Antlia V-Pro Green 36 mm · Antlia V-Pro Red 36 mm
Accessories : Baader 2" MPCC Mark III Newton Coma Corrector (2458400A) · ZWO ASIAIR Plus · ZWO EAF · ZWO EFW 7 x 36mm
Software : Adobe Photoshop · Pleiades Astrophoto PixInsight
Guiding Telescope : Artesky Ultra 60mm MKII Guide Scope
Guiding Camera : ZWO ASI120MM Mini
Dates :
July 3 - 4, 2024
July 7 - 12, 2024
Frames :
Antlia 3nm Narrowband H-alpha 36 mm: 138×300″(11h 30′)
Antlia 3nm Narrowband Oxygen III 36 mm: 225×300″(18h 45′)
Antlia V-Pro Blue 36 mm: 180×30″(1h 30′)
Antlia V-Pro Green 36 mm: 180×30″(1h 30′)
Antlia V-Pro Red 36 mm: 180×30″(1h 30′)
Integration : 34h 45′

https://www.astrobin.com/users/emmanuel.joly/

This is the first image taken after a big strip down and rebuild of the 16in ODK. I spent a lot of time spacing and collimating the optics. It is also the first image from the new Player One Poseidon mono camera, I think I'm going to have a lot of fun with this scope. Imaged remotely from Spain.

NGC281 showing the Bok Globules in the Pacman Nebula in S2, Ha, and O3, all 60s exposures 120x60s in Ha and O3, 350x 60s in S2.

Worth having a look at the full res image.
Processed in Pixinsight and Photoshop.

Thanks for looking
Peter Shah

peterJaroslav wrote: ↑Tue Aug 06, 2024 5:47 pm This is the first image taken after a big strip down and rebuild of the 16in ODK. I spent a lot of time spacing and collimating the optics. It is also the first image from the new Player One Poseidon mono camera, I think I'm going to have a lot of fun with this scope. Imaged remotely from Spain.

NGC281 showing the Bok Globules in the Pacman Nebula in S2, Ha, and O3, all 60s exposures 120x60s in Ha and O3, 350x 60s in S2.

Worth having a look at the full res image.
Processed in Pixinsight and Photoshop.

Thanks for looking
Peter Shah

Oh wow!

I would have no objections of this picture - particularly the top version - became an APOD!

Ann

Abell 1656 - Coma Cluster
Joint project by Rochus Hess and Bernd Wallner
(Imaging: Bernd , Image processing: Rochus)

The galaxy cluster Abell 1656, also known as the Coma Cluster, is located in the constellation Coma Berenices and is about 320 million light-years away. The cluster has a diameter of about 20 million light-years and contains thousands of galaxies, mostly elliptical and lenticular in shape.The central region of the cluster is dominated by two giant elliptical galaxies, NGC 4874 and NGC 4889. These galaxies are about ten times more massive than the Milky Way and play a central role in the cluster's dynamics.

Telescope: ASA RC600 with ASA 4 Inch 0.63 RC Reducer
Camera: QHY600M Pro
Location: VEGA Observatory House of Nature Salzburg

Zoom in to discover countless galaxies revealed in this deep image of Abell 1656!
Hope you enjoy it.

full resolution https://www.astrobin.com/wqftnk/ Copyright: Rochus Hess, Bernd Wallner

Greetings, Rochus and Bernd

The Eagle over the Pillars of Creation - Hubble palette
Copyright: Bogdan Borz

This M16, presented in a classic SHO composition with RGB, natural color stars.

Telescope: Teleskop Service ONTC Newtonian 250mm @ 3.8
Mount: Skywatcher AZEQ6 Pro
Camera: ZWO ASI 2600MM Astrodon 3nm 36mm Ha, SII, OIII filters Baader RGB filter for the stars
Software: Sequence Generator Pro, Pixinsight, Photoshop
Dates : May 22-July 8 2024
Ha x 152, SII x 163, OIII x 152. Exposures 300s gain 100 @ -10°C
Total exposure: 38h55min
Full resolution : https://www.astrobin.com/full/6uisc0/0/?real=
Location: Personal remote observatory at E-Eye, Extremadura, Spain

The supergiant star Gamma Cygni lies at the center of the constellation Swan (Cygnus). Known by its proper name Sadr, the bright star is also at the center of this beautiful panorama, which features a complex of stars, dust clouds and bright nebulae along the plane of our Milky Way galaxy. The emission nebulae IC 1318 (Butterfly Nebula) and NGC 6888 (Crescent Nebula), the star cluster NGC 6910 and the reflection nebulae NGC 6914 are clearly visible in this wide-field image, which extends about 6° (12 full moons).
Technical data: Canon EF 400 mm f/4 with Canon EOS 6D mod. 62x180s f/5 3200 ISO.

The Gamma Cygni Nebulae by Alessandro Carrozzi, su Flickr

I am excited to submit my image of the core of the Eagle Nebula (M16) for consideration. Given the extensive number of images already captured of this iconic target, I wanted to create a piece that both honors its legacy and brings something new to the table.

How does this stand out from others?

What sets this image apart is the combination of old and new technology. I used a Celestron Ultima 9-1/4 telescope from 1995, a testament to the enduring quality of classic equipment. Paired with the ASI2600MM-Pro camera, I was able to capture details with good clarity and depth. This synergy of old and new gear underscores the timeless allure of astronomy and the ever-evolving capabilities of astrophotography.


Why is this target worthy of APOD when it has been imaged so much already?

The Eagle Nebula, with its stunning "Pillars of Creation," remains one of the most awe-inspiring astronomical objects. Despite being a popular target, each image offers a unique perspective, shaped by the observer's techniques and equipment. My goal was to blend the richness of its history with modern advancements in astrophotography, offering a fresh yet respectful take on this celestial masterpiece.

In processing the data, I employed contemporary techniques in PixInsight and adhered to the universally accepted Hubble palette. This approach not only enhances the visual appeal but also pays homage to the iconic images from the Hubble Space Telescope, creating a bridge between past achievements and present possibilities.

I believe this image showcases how blending classic and modern technologies, along with advanced post-processing, can yield a result that is both nostalgic and forward-looking. The result is a high-quality depiction of the Pillars of Creation that highlights its majestic features in the classic Hubble palette.

Thanks for checking,

Rod Prazeres Astrophotography


Dates:
July 22 - 26, 2024

Integration:
8h 20′


Imaging Telescopes
Celestron Ultima 9-1/4

Imaging Cameras
ZWO ASI2600MM Pro

Mounts
Sky-Watcher NEQ6-Pro

Filters
Antlia 3nm S+H+O 36mm

Accessories
ZWO ASIAIR Mini · ZWO EAF · ZWO EFW 7 x 36mm · ZWO OAG-L

All my socials: https://linktr.ee/deepskyjourney

Stars version: Starless version:

Dusty Centaurus Treasures

Maybe less colorful, but in its own way interesting. The photo shows Omega Centauri - the largest globular cluster observed in the Earth's sky, and the very distinctive galaxy Centaurus A. There are many photos that show these objects separately, but very few photos show them together, making us realize through what layers of dust they have to pierce to be seen.
Nikon D610mod + Samyang135/2 + HEQ5, 62x120s + 8x10s.
Location: Waterberg/South Africa
Credit: Ireneusz Nowak

Astrobin location of the full size picture: https://www.astrobin.com/full/3bnwvo/
Author Astrobin link: https://www.astrobin.com/users/iro/

Gravitational deflections of stars during the total solar eclipse of 2024
Here is a verification of the Einstein theory using standard amateur instrumentation, 105 years after the first measurement of Arthur Eddington during the 29 May 1919 total solar eclipse.
Full article with description and more images: http://www.astrosurf.com/comolli/ecl24c.htm
Article, analysis and processing by Lorenzo Comolli
Copyright of images from collaboration by Lorenzo Comolli, Emmanuele Sordini, Alessandro Gambaro

Corona Australis dust
Very nice region of the constellation of Corona Australis captured last night. I looked into that area of the sky last year to see if there was anything interesting and I liked what I saw. This is a mosaic of two shots as I wanted to show the dust extending towards the left of the frame. In total, this is about 7 hours of exposure, taking advantage of the very young moon on Aug 8th.

Corona Australis dust by Christian Gloor, on Flickr

https://www.flickr.com/photos/156498773 ... n%20Flickr

This photo contains 11 galaxies Deer Lick Group and Stephan's Quintet
Deerlick upper right
Stephan's Quintet lower left
Zwo Seestar s50
420 exposures at 10 seconds
f.5
DeerLick Group
Ngc 7331
Ngc 7335
Ngc 7336
Ngc 7337
Ngc 7340
Stephans Quintet
Ngc7319
Ngc7318 A And B
Ngc 7317
Ngc 7320 and 7320c

The emission nebula IC 1396 mixes glowing cosmic gas and dark dust clouds. Illuminated by the bright central stars, this star-forming region stretches for hundreds of light-years, nearly 3,000 light-years from planet Earth. Among the intriguing dark shapes of IC 1396, the sinuous elephant trunk nebula lies just above the center of the image.

Technical data: Canon EF 300mm with Canon EOS 6D mod and Nikkor 180mm with Atik 4000LE both on SkyWatcher NEQ 6 Pro. 69x180s 3200 ISO f/5 and 10x600 f/4 Ha respectively.

IC 1396 by Alessandro Carrozzi, su Flickr

Perseid in front of the constellation Cygnus
Last year, a bright Perseid got caught in the meshes of a tightly knit time-lapse interval one day before the maximum of the meteor shower. Apart from this magnificent specimen, however, there was nothing more exciting to see that night, at least not in my narrow 35mm field of view.
https://stern-bild.at/
Copyright: Helmut Liebhaber https://www.stern-bild.at/images/galeri ... 60-web.jpg

4 hour meteor shower
Unlike the day before, there were more Perseids to be seen this time, but not very bright ones. Unfortunately, the two brightest ones didn't completely reach the narrow field of view.
https://stern-bild.at/
Copyright: Helmut Liebhaber https://www.stern-bild.at/images/galeri ... 4hours.jpg

Clear Skies, Helmut

Hi! I'm sharing this picture of the principal objects IC 1274- IC 1275 - IC 4685 - NGC 6559 captured in Potrero de los Funes, San Luis, Argentina in the last days. This is my first time that I capture this region and i'm very glad taht I did it, it has a lot of dark nebulaes, reflection nebulaes, H Alpha regions, and a lot of stars. I hope you considerate for APOD or in Sky page.

Thank you!


IC 1274- IC 1275 - IC 4685 - NGC 6559
by Maximiliano Falieres, en Flickr

LDN 234 and P24 - Dark nebulae in OPH.

This is a 2 panel mosaic of this elongated molecular cloud complex. The red glow in the background is H-Alpha gas. The bright star in the center of the image is 20 OPH.

Images made at Heaven's Mirror Remote observatory, Yass, Australia.
Telescope: Sharpstar 140
camera: asi 6200
Mount: 10 micron HPS1000
26,7 hours of data.

Image is reduced in size to upload. If needed for publication, original image is available through PM.

Large Magellanic Cloud

June is certainly not an ideal month for capturing the LMC, but its mesmerizing vastness made me feel compelled to try. It was an intriguing object because it appeared twice each night—right after dusk, when it quickly descended towards the horizon, and before dawn, when it reemerged in the southern sky. The time window wasn't long, and the distant glow from Johannesburg didn't help either, but I managed to put something together.

Nikon D610mod + Samyang135/2 + HEQ5, 42x120s.
Location: Waterberg/South Africa
Credit: Ireneusz Nowak

Astrobin location of the full size picture: https://www.astrobin.com/full/b3se4j/
Author Astrobin link: https://www.astrobin.com/users/iro/

APOD Submission




For higher resolution

https://flic.kr/p/2q8HF1X

I captured the most known Supernova remnant The Veil Nebula with a full-size wide field that fits the range of supernova, it is located in the constellation of Cygnus, I used the OIII & Ha to bring out the main structure while in the RGB I managed to bring out all of the cosmic dust around this area giving different gradients of dust, brown, white and blue with different mixes of red with the dust. some hydrogen alpha areas popped out very bright compared to other areas.

gears
‎‏Camera: ZWO 533 mm

‎‏Filters: Antlia Fast filter RGB OIII Ha for F/2.8

Telescope: Rokinon 135mm at focal ratio of 2.8
‎‏Mount: CEM-40


‎‏More info:
‎‏Exposures

Total integration:
R 150*40
G 150*40
B 150*40
Ha 150*89
OIII 150*96

Total integration ~ 12.7h

Bortal class 5/6

Location: Kuwait
Date of capture
1-2/8/2024


Sincerely,
Abdullah Alharbi

The Open Star Cluster Messier 47 (NGC 2422 )


BEST DETAILS
https://www.astrobin.com/full/qgh80e/0/

EQUIPMENT:
Esprit 150mm triplet
Zwo asi 6200mc
Mount CEM120
Frames 105 x 100""

LOCATION: Munhoz - MG - Brazil
DATES: From 05/08/2023 to 08/12/2023


PROCESSING AND CAPTURE:
Adobe Photoshop, ASTAP, SGP, PHD2 and PixInsight

Author: Fernando Oliveira de Menezes
Email: Barretosmed@hotmail.com
(Organizing author of the book Amateur Astrophotography in Brazil)
https://clubedeautores.com.br/livro/ast ... -no-brasil

Hello everyone,

Here's my image of the ghost nebula:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/539 ... 8659_o.jpg
The Ghost Nebula - Magnificent or terrifying by Ali Alobaidly, on Flickr

Description:
I've heard many descriptions of the targets I capture with my telescope over the years. Some people see a ship's anchor where others might see a horse, interpreting the nebulous structures in their own unique ways. These cosmic formations are often called beautiful, breathtaking, surreal or etherea. However, when it comes to this particular target—the Ghost Nebula—there seems to be a common thread in the reactions it elicits. Most people, regardless of their background or perspective, described it to me as terrifying.

This consensus is unlike anything I've encountered with other celestial objects. While many nebulae inspire awe and admiration, the Ghost Nebula stirs something deeper, a sense of trepidation towards acknowledging the beauty of the target. Its shadowy, spectral form and the way it seems to loom out of the darkness of space evoked in me, and others, a sense of unease, as if it is a harbinger of something unknown and unsettling.

As you peer into the depths of the Ghost Nebula, the unsettling feeling intensifies with the emergence of shadowy figures seemingly hidden within its swirling mists. These figures, faint yet unmistakable, appear to raise their hands toward the void, as if reaching out in silent supplication or warning. Their forms are nebulous and indistinct, but the impression they leave is chillingly clear, a gathering of ghostly silhouettes frozen in a moment of eerie, eternal stillness. The way these figures blend into the nebulous clouds gives the impression that they are part of the very fabric of the nebula itself, their raised hands emerging from the darkness as if in a silent plea to the universe. The longer you gaze, the more these phantom shapes seem to take on a life of their own, deepening the sense of unease that the Ghost Nebula, 1200 light years away in the constellation Cepheus, so uniquely provokes.

Acquisition details:
Dates:
Aug. 1, 2024
Aug. 8, 2024
Aug. 10, 2024

Frames:
Lum: 75×300″(6h 15′)
Red: 60×300″(5h)
Green: 48×300″(4h)
Blue : 50×300″(4h 10′)

Tota Integration:
19h 25′

Equipment:
Telescope: Celestron EdgeHD 9.25"
Camera: ZWO ASI2600MM Pro
Mount: Sky-Watcher EQ8-R Pro
Filters: Chroma 36 mm LRGB
Accessories: Celestron 0.7X Reducer EdgeHD925

NGC7635 The Bubble Nebula mapped to the classic Hubble palette. Imaged with The 16in ODK, imaged from Spain. This is the second test image since I installed Player One Poseidon Mono camera. Exposure times were 120x 60s in Ha 300x 60s in O3 and 230x 60s in S2.

Thank you for looking

Peter Shah