This year’s version of Messier 78 (M78) builds on the 2024 version, which integrated 8 hours of 5-minutes data (see Crown Jewels). The featured image in this edition includes 11 hours of data, coupled with new editing techniques which brings out more of the background Hydrogen II regions (red/pinkish hues) surrounding the reflection nebula (bluish hues and dark dust lanes).
As a reminder, M78 is a reflection nebula that sits around 1,350 light years away from Earth in the constellation of Orion (see location in the wide field image below. M78 is sometimes referred to as the Casper the Friendly Ghost Nebula.
Orion molecular cloud with M78 to the left.
This patch of jewels is another reminder that the night sky shows off a world of its own, literally… and you should look up and experience an amazing Universe!
Gear: AA Hypercam 26C, Askar 80 PHQ, HEM27 mount, Optolong CLS; ZWO OAG + AA120mc
Exif: 135 x 5-min lights; Gain 200, Offset 3, TEC @ 10 degrees; 20 darks
Software: SharpCap, PHD2; AstroPixelProcessor, PixInsight; Photoshop