Reflecting the light of nearby hot stars, NGC 2170 is joined by other bluish reflection nebulae, a compact red emission region, and streamers of obscuring dust against a backdrop of stars. Like the common household items still life painters often choose for their subjects, the clouds of gas, dust, and hot stars pictured here are also commonly found in this setting – a massive, star-forming molecular cloud in the constellation of the Unicorn (Monoceros).  The giant molecular cloud, Mon R2, is impressively close, estimated to be only 2,400 light-years or so away.

Imaging telescopes or lenses: Intes Micro MN84
Imaging cameras: QSI 583 wsg
Mounts: Astro-Physics 1200 GTO
Guiding cameras: Starlight Xpress Lodestar
Software: Adobe Photoshop CC, PixInsight
Dates: Nov. 9, 2013
Frames:
Astrodon Luminance: 12×1200″
Astrodon RGB filter set: 60×900″

Autor: Dean Salman

AstroPhotography of the day by SPONLI

05 February 2014

We select the best works of amateur astrophotographers with details of equipment, shooting processing etc.