Here is another odd ball and creepy target in the night skies. This one is called the Witch Head Nebula (IC 2118), which lies in the constellation of Eridanus right next to Orion’s brightest star Rigel. IC 2118 is located about 900 light years from Earth and spans approximately 70 lights years across, and is believed to be the remnant of a supernova. The dusty areas of this nebula are illuminated by Rigel. Though a spooky target, it is quite a beauty in the night skies, and yet another reason to look up and experience an amazing Universe!
Gear: AA Hypercam 26C, Askar FMA180, HEM27 mount, Optolong CLS; SVbony 120mm guidescope + ZWO 120mc
Exif: 18 x 5-min subs; Gain 200, Offset 3, TEC @ 10 degrees; 20 darks, 20 flats, 20 dark flats
SharpCap, PHD2; AstroPixelProcessor, PixInsight; Photoshop
A superb image, Drexel. Here’s to a cloud-free 2023!
Thank you very much Roger. Happy cloud-free 2023 to you too. Blessings!
EXCELLENT ! And who doesn’t like something good and creepy! And yes that is very aptly named it definitely does look like a witch head! . Another iconic sky object that you’ve done an excellent job of capturing. Keep up the good work and I guess that means you’re getting a few clear skies these days. The weather finally starting to come back to normal here so I am off to get some exercise!
Clear skies and keep looking up my friend! 😃💯💯😎
Thank you 🙏🏾. I’m must admit that I had to fight through little spurts of space between the clouds to allow me to capture 18, 5-minute frames over two nights. Over 60 frames were captured but the majority properly photobombed by clouds 🤣. Glad to hear that winters weather system is clearing out. Enjoy the outdoors!