Winter targets are in full swing and what better way to explore Orion’s Belt than to enjoy a ‘ride on a one-horse open sleigh…aye’ 🙂 🛷. Our cosmic journey has zeroed in on bright blue star giant Alnitak. Here is my 2023 edition of IC 434, the Horsehead Nebula in the constellation of Orion, located around 1,500 lights years away from Earth. Of course the Horsehead Nebula is also complimented by the Flaming Nebula that sits just to the left.
IC 434 is a dark nebula which consists of dense clouds of gas and dust in a rough shape of a horse’s head. It appears dark because it blocks light from passing through. Contrast this dark nebula with the bright hydrogen emissions in its background gives this target a beautiful picturesque landscape. The grayscale image below demonstrates the rich hydrogen-alpha components of this region.
Perhaps if we look closely on December 24, we may just see this horse carrying a reddish sleigh 🤭. And if you miss it, don’t worry, it would be an excellent reason to look up and experience an amazing Universe!
IC 434, Ha channel extracted with l-ultimate filter.
Gear: AA Hypercam 26C, Askar 80 PHQ, HEM27 mount, Optolong L-Ultimate; Optolong CLS;ZWO OAG + AA120mc
Exif: Ha – 69 x 5-min lights; RGB – 10 x 5-min lights; Gain 200, Offset 3, TEC @ 10 degrees; 20 darks
Software: SharpCap, PHD2; AstroPixelProcessor, PixInsight; Photoshop
Awesome! Really neat shot! I always love to see the Horse Head! The range of color and detail is really fantastic! Wishing you and yours a very happy and healthy weekend! (Thanksgiving 🦃 here—so I guess it’s officially the kickoff of the “Holiday Season”!).
Clear Skies, my Friend! 😎
Happy thanksgiving my friend. Trust that you had a great time despite circumstances. Loving the journey. Much improved 🙂
That’s good news; Keep it going! 🤞👍😃