Also known as M20, this photogenic nebula is visible with good binoculars towards the constellation of Sagittarius. The energetic processes of star formation create not only the colors but the chaos. The red-glowing gas results from high-energy starlight striking interstellar hydrogen gas. The dark dust filaments that lace M20 were created in the atmospheres of cool giant stars and in the debris from supernovae explosions. The light from M20 we see today left perhaps 3,000 years ago.

Imaging telescopes or lenses: Intes Micro MN84
Imaging cameras: QSI 583 wsg
Mounts: Astro-Physics 1200 GTO
Software: Adobe Photoshop CC, PixInsight
Filters: Astrodon H-alpha 3nm narrowband filter, Astrodon Luminance, Astrodon RGB filter set
Dates: Oct. 26, 2013
Frames:
Astrodon H-alpha 3nm narrowband filter: 6×1200″
Astrodon Luminance: 9×600″
Astrodon RGB filter set: 72×600″
Integration: 15.5 hours

Author: Dean Salman

AstroPhotography of the day by SPONLI
18 April 2014