StormEffects
Nightscapes & Deep Sky Colors
Astrophotography © Brian A. Morganti
The Horsehead Nebula Region
IC 434 / Barnard 33 / NGC 2024 Flame Nebulae
Orion
Mouse Over the above image for deep sky object identification
The famous Horsehead Nebula
(Bernard dark nebula B33) represents a dark cloud of dust and
non-luminous gas which obscures and silhouettes the emitted light of
IC 434 behind it. The large red "waterfall" emission nebula IC 434
has in turn received all its energy from the bright star Sigma
Orionis (click on image for location). Along with the Orion
Nebula, these nebulae near the Horsehead are part of a very large
complex that is a stellar nursery where stars are forming out of the
dust and gas. Located about 1,500 light years away, this vast
complex is the closest star forming region to our own solar system.
The surrounding region also contains a multitude of different objects all unique in their own right. The bright emission nebula to the lower left of the brightest star in this image, Alnitak--- the easternmost star in the three distinctive stars in Orion's belt, is NGC 2024 (the Flame Nebula). Infrared studies have revealed a huge cluster of infant stars hidden behind the dust and gas of NGC 2024. The bright blue reflection nebula to the lower left of the Horsehead is NGC 2023. Interstellar dust reveals its presence by blocking light emitted from stars or nebulae behind it. Dust is composed mostly of carbon, silicon, oxygen and some heavier elements. Even organic compounds have been detected. North is to the left in this image. IMAGE DETAILS:
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Comparisons below from previous imaging sessions
IMAGE DETAILS for above image:
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IMAGE DETAILS for above image:
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Astrophotography - Nightscapes & Deep Sky Colors