M 42 in Ha
 

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 2004 x 1336 pixel image (1.1 meg)
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Description: Commonly known as "The Orion Nebula", this area of young star formation has ionized the surrounding hydrogen. Since it is close to us in astronomical distance, it is bright enough and large enough to be seen by the naked eye. The young star cluster at the heart of the nebula is only a few thousand years old.
 
Constellation: Orion
 
Distance: 1500 light years
 
Apparent Size: 1.5o x 1o
 
Date: 20 september 2009
 
Equipment: AP130 @ f/6, STL 11000XM, Mach1
 
Exposure: 60 minutes 6nm Ha (Astrodon)
 
Note: This is a work in progress as it needs more exposure. In particular, the burned-out core will need shorter exposure data. I'll update the image as weather permits.