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CAMERA:

Canon 40D baader modified

The Witch Head nebula (or IC2118) is a reflection nebula in constellation Orion. The nebula reflects the light from the blue giant star Rigel (upper right corner). The blue colour is caused not only by Rigel's blue colour but also because the dust grains reflect blue light more efficiently than red. It is the same physical process that causes Earth's daytime sky to appear blue (but then due to reflection of Nitrogen and Oxygen).

The nebula is almost 1000 light years away from Earth. Also worth mentioning is that Rigel is the seventh brightest star in the night sky.

This image was chosen Astroimaging Challenge Yahoo Group Winner January 2009 and was featured in Astronomy Magazine Picture of the Day March 2009.

 

LENS/OTA:

Canon 200mm @f2.8 and f4

MOUNT: 

Astrotrac T320

IMAGE:

In total a little bit over 9hrs @ISO1600

FILTER:

Astronomik CLS clip in filter for some of the images     

GUIDING:

None

GUIDE SCOPE:

None

GUIDE CAMERA:

None

CALIBRATION:

Flats and Darks

DATE:

December 28-29, 2008

LOCATION:

Djura, Sweden

   
   
   
   
     

Copyright: All images © 2008 Matts Sporre. All Rights Reserved