The Orion constellation is undoubtedly my favorite region in the night skies, rich with emission and reflection nebulas. Let’s begin this series by looking at the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex (or a portion thereof). This region, also known as simply the Orion Complex, is one of the most active star-forming regions visible in the night sky. It is located between 1,000 and 1,400 light years away from Earth, and hundreds of lights years across.
The Orion Complex is made up 5 designated cloud groups – Orion A molecular cloud, Orion B molecular cloud, OB1 molecular cloud, Lambda molecular ring, and Orion-Eridanus superbubble. This image features components of Orion A [Great Orion Nebula (M42) and Running Man Nebula (Sh2-279), which are part of Orion’s sword], Orion B [Flame Nebula (NGC 2024), Horsehead Nebula (IC 434)], and OB1, which includes the three bright stars that makes up Orion’s Belt.
We will continue to explore the beauties in the Orion Constellation, but in the meantime, remember to look up and experience an amazing Universe!
Gear: AA Hypercam 26C, Askar FMA180, iOption Skyguider Pro, SVbony Ha 7nm; Canon 77D for RGB
Ha: 75 @60 seconds; RGB: 15 @180 seconds (combined HaRGB)
SharpCap, AstroPixelProcessor, PixInsight, Photoshop, Topaz Denoise
A remarkable image with so many well known objects, bright and dim. Such a wide field too, with the Flame Nebula and Orion Nebula four degrees apart.
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Great photo and thanks for the link to the text that describes and gives a lot of information about the Orion. I will have to say as a visual object for small to medium sized telescopes the Orion nebula and that area of the sky is always one of the best. It’s bright it’s large you can see quite a bit of detail and there are quite a few interesting things to see. I was always looking for the horsehead nebula but could never find it. I believe that’s because relative to the size of the whole area it’s so tiny and my scope was just not big enough. However again it was probably more visible in other wavelengths than strictly visible, so the best views of that are always going to be through telescopes that have filters for specific wavelengths and longer exposures.
But I found a a lot of other interesting objects including double Stars etc that were always worth scouring that part of the sky! Thanks again for sharing!
I plan to take the individuals targets as soon as I’m able. First up will be Horsehead nebula 😊. Stay tuned.