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nebulae
Abbreviations- M, million; k, thousand; ly, light years; Temp, temperature; RH, relative humidity; DP, dew point; NA, not applicable; FOV- field of view;
au- astronomical units (1 au = distance from Sun to Earth or 93 million miles)

Click on the images below to view a larger (1200 x 800) version in a new window.  If your screen resolution is less than 1200 x 800,  click on the image in the new window to view the full version.

 

IC405
IC 405, also known as the Flaming Star Nebula, is an emission and reflection nebula 1500 ly from Earth in the constellation Auriga.  The nebula spans about 5 ly.  This diffuse nebula surrounds the bright hot star AE Auriga (center) giving the impression that the star is on fire, hence, its name.  The red color is "glowing" hydrogen gas, and the blue color is light from AE Auriga reflected to us by dust.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
Object IC 405 (Flaming Star Nebula)
Distance 1500 ly
Constellation Auriga
Link IC 405
Date December 19 - 25, 2022 (Tucson, AZ)
Conditions Clear, 40 - 60 F
Moon Waning crescent to waxing crescent
Seeing 2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
Telescope RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
CCD camera SBIG STX16803
Luminance 1 hour; 6 x 10 min, 1 x 1
Red 5 hours; 30 x 10 min, 2 x 2
Green 5 hours; 30 x 10 min, 2 x 2
Blue 5 hours; 30 x 10 min, 2 x 2
HA NA
Click here to see a larger image.

 

M42 (Orion Nebula)
M42, also known as the Great Orion Nebula, is an emission and reflection nebula 1300 ly from Earth in the constellation Orion.  The nebula is south of Orion's belt and spans about 24 ly.  It is one of the brightest nebulas in the night sky and is visible to the naked eye.  The nebula contains very active star formation.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
Object M42 (Great Orion Nebula)
Distance 1300 ly
Constellation Orion
Link M42
Date November 25 - 30, 2022 (Tucson, AZ)
Conditions Clear, 40 - 60 F
Moon New moon to first quarter
Seeing 2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
Telescope RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
CCD camera SBIG STX16803
Luminance 2 frame mosaic; 60 x 1 min per frame, 1 x 1
Red 2 frame mosaic; 12 x 5 min per frame, 2 x 2
Green 2 frame mosaic; 12 x 5 min per frame, 2 x 2
Blue 2 frame mosaic; 12 x 5 min per frame, 2 x 2
HA NA
Click here to see a larger image.

 

Horsehead Nebula Region
The Horsehead Nebula is part of the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex about 1,375 ly from Earth in the constellation Orion.  The red/pinkish glow originates from hydrogen gas behind the dark nebula that is ionized by ultraviolet radiation from the nearby star Sigma Orionis (above horsehead not seen here).  The dark horsehead is caused by thick dust that blocks the light emanating from behind it.  Also seen is the Flame Nebula (red emission nebula on bottom left) and NGC 2023 (blue reflection nebula in bottom middle).  The bright blue star is Alnitak, the left most star in Orion's belt.  Click on the link to the right to see a larger version.
Object Horsehead Nebula Region
Distance 1,375 ly
Constellation Orion
Link Horsehead Nebula
Date December 12 - 15, 2021 (Tucson, AZ)
Conditions Clear, Temp- 38 to 52 F
Moon Waning gibbous
Seeing 2.0 - 4.0 arc-sec
Telescope RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
CCD camera SBIG STX16803
Luminance 2 frame mosaic; 3 x 20 min per frame, 1 x 1
Red 2 frame mosaic; 3 x 20 min per frame, 2 x 2
Green 2 frame mosaic; 3 x 20 min per frame, 2 x 2
Blue 2 frame mosaic; 3 x 20 min per frame, 2 x 2
HA NA
Click here to see a larger version.

 

IC 434- Horsehead Nebula
Another image of the Horsehead Nebula and NGC 2023 taken in 2013 with the same telescope but a different CCD camera from the image above.
Object IC 434 (Horsehead Nebula)
Distance 1,375 ly
Constellation Orion
Link Horsehead Nebula
Date January 04 - 16, 2013 (Tucson, AZ)
Conditions Clear, Temp- 23 to 46 F; DP- 3 -12 F
Moon Waning to waxing crescent
Seeing 2.0 - 4.0 arc-sec
Telescope RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
CCD camera SBIG STL11000M
Luminance 8.3 hours; 25 x 20 min, 1 x 1
Red 5 hours; 15 x 20 min, 2 x 2
Green 5 hours; 15 x 20 min, 2 x 2
Blue 5 hours; 15 x 20 min, 2 x 2
HA NA
Click here to see a larger version.

 

IC 434- SOF image vs Adam Block image Shown is my image of the Horsehead Nebula taken with a 12.5" Ritchey-Chrétien compared to that taken by Adam Block with a 24" Ritchey-Chrétien at Mount Lemmon Sky Center.  His image is clearly better albeit he used a larger telescope with four times the light gathering capacity, and imaged through darker and more transparent skies (9,150 feet above the desert dust and light pollution).

 

M45- The Pleiades
M45, also known as The Pleiades or The Seven Sisters, is an open star cluster 440 ly from Earth in the constellation Taurus.  The nine brightest stars are named after The Seven Sisters of Greek Mythology (Alcyone, Electra, Maia, Merope, Taygeta, Celaeno, Sterope) along with their two parents (Atlas, Pleione).  All are hot B-type stars.  The star cluster is illuminating a dust cloud through which it is passing creating a reflection nebulae. 
Object M45 (The Pleiades, Seven Sisters)
Distance 440 ly
Constellation Taurus
Link M45
Date November 12 - 14, 2021 (Tucson, AZ)
Conditions Clear, Temp- 55 to 75 F
Moon First quarter to waxing gibbous
Seeing 2.0 - 2.5 arc-sec
Telescope Takahashi TOA130 @ f7.7
CCD camera SBIG STL11000M
Luminance 2 hours; 24 x 5 min, 1 x 1
Red 2 hours; 24 x 5 min 2 x 2
Green 2 hours; 24 x 5 min 2 x 2
Blue 4 hours; 12 x 20 min 2 x 2
HA NA
Click here to see a larger version.

 

NGC 7000- North American Nebula
NGC 7000, also known as the North American Nebula (upper nebula), is an emission nebula 2,600 ly from Earth in the constellation Cygnus.  The shape of the nebula resembles that of the North American continent with the Gulf of Mexico.  Also seen is the Pelican Nebula (lower nebula, best seen in larger version, click link to right).  Both nebula are large regions of glowing hydrogen gas (HII regions) that are being ionized by a nearby hot star emitting ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Object NGC 7000 (North American Nebula)
Distance 2,600 ly
Constellation Cygnus
Link North American Nebula
Date November 03 - 06, 2021 (Tucson, AZ)
Conditions Clear, Temp- 55 to 75 F
Moon Waning crescent to waxing crescent
Seeing 2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
Telescope Takahashi TOA130 @ f7.7
CCD camera SBIG STL11000M
Luminance NA
Red 2 frame mosaic; 6 x 20 min per frame, 2 x 2
Green 2 frame mosaic; 6 x 20 min per frame, 2 x 2
Blue 2 frame mosaic; 6 x 20 min per frame, 2 x 2
HA 2 frame mosaic; 6 x 20 min per frame, 1 x 1
Click here to see a larger version.

 

Veil Nebula
The Veil Nebula is a cloud of heated and ionized gas 2,400 ly from Earth in the constellation Cygnus.  It is a supernova remnant of a star that exploded tens of thousands of years ago.   The nebula spands 3 degrees or about 6 diameters of the moon.
Object Veil Nebula
Distance 2,400 ly
Constellation Cygnus
Link Veil Nebula
Date October 24 - 27, 2021 (Tucson, AZ)
Conditions Clear, Temp- 55 to 75 F
Moon Waning gibbous
Seeing 2.0 - 2.5 arc-sec
Telescope Takahashi TOA130 @ f7.7
CCD camera SBIG STL11000M
Luminance NA
Red 3 hours; 9 x 20 min 2 x 2
Green 3 hours; 9 x 20 min 2 x 2
Blue 3 hours; 9 x 20 min 2 x 2
HA 4 hours; 12 x 20 min 1 x 1
Click here to see a larger version.

 

NGC 281- Pacman Nebula
NGC 281, also known as the Pacman Nebula, is an emission nebula 9,500 ly from Earth in the constellation Cassiopeia.  The shape of the nebula resembles that of the Pacman video game character.  The nebula is a large region of glowing hydrogen gas (HII region) that is being ionized by a nearby hot star emitting ultraviolet radiation.
Object NGC 281 (Pacman Nebula)
Distance 9,500 ly
Constellation Cassiopeia
Link NGC 281
Date October 30 - November 01, 2013 (Tucson)
Conditions Clear, Temp- 65 to 80 F
Moon Waning crescent
Seeing 2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
Telescope RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
CCD camera SBIG STL11000M
Luminance 4.7 hours; 14 x 20 min, 1 x 1
Red 3 hours; 9 x 20 min, 2 x 2
Green 3 hours; 9 x 20 min, 2 x 2
Blue 2 hours; 6 x 20 min, 2 x 2
HA NA
Click here to see a larger version.

 

NGC 7293- Helix Nebula
NGC 7293, also known as the Helix Nebula, is a planetary nebula 695 ly from Earth in the constellation Aquarius.  It is an expanding, glowing shell of ionized gas ejected from a star late in its life.  The progenitor star (center) is now a hot white dwarf that emits ultraviolet radiation causing the surrounding gas to glow.
Object NGC 7293 (Helix Nebula)
Distance 695 ly
Constellation Aquarius
Link Helix Nebula
Date October 08 - 21, 2013 (Tucson, AZ)
Conditions Clear, Temp- 65 to 80 F
Moon Waxing crescent to full moon
Seeing 2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
Telescope RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
CCD camera SBIG STL11000M
Luminance 4 hours; 12 x 20 min, 1 x 1
Red 2 hours; 6 x 20 min, 2 x 2
Green 2 hours; 6 x 20 min, 2 x 2
Blue 2 hours; 6 x 20 min, 2 x 2
HA NA
Click here to see a larger version.

 

M27- Dumbbell Nebula
M27, also known as the Dumbbell Nebula, is a planetary nebula 1,250 ly from Earth in the constellation Vulpecula.  It is an expanding, glowing shell of ionized gas ejected from a red giant star late in its life.  The progenitor star (center) is now a hot white dwarf that emits ultraviolet radiation causing the surrounding gas to glow.
Object M27 (Dumbbell Nebula)
Distance 1,250 ly
Constellation Vulpecula
Link M27
Date October 01 - 04, 2013 (Tucson, AZ)
Conditions Clear, Temp- 65 to 80 F
Moon Waning crescent
Seeing 2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
Telescope RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
CCD camera SBIG STL11000M
Luminance 6 hours; 18 x 20 min, 1 x 1
Red 3 hours; 9 x 20 min, 2 x 2
Green 3 hours; 9 x 20 min, 2 x 2
Blue 3 hours; 9 x 20 min, 2 x 2
HA NA
Click here to see a larger version.

 

NGC 2264- Cone Nebula
NGC 2264, also known as the Cone Nebula, is a pillar of hydrogen gas and dust 2,700 ly from Earth in the constellation Monoceros.  Radiation from hot, young stars has slowly eroded the nebula over millions of years.  Ultraviolet radiation heats the edges of the dark cloud, releasing gas into the relatively empty region of surrounding space.  There, additional ultraviolet radiation causes the hydrogen gas to glow, which produces the red halo of light seen around the pillar.
Object NGC 2264 (Cone Nebula)
Distance 2,700 ly
Constellation Monoceros
Link Cone Nebula
Date January 16 - February 04, 2013 (Tucson)
Conditions Clear, Temp- 23 to 46 F; DP- 3 -12 F
Moon Waxing to waning crescent
Seeing 2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
Telescope RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
CCD camera SBIG STL11000M
Luminance 8.3 hours; 25 x 20 min, 1 x 1
Red 5 hours; 15 x 20 min, 2 x 2
Green 4 hours; 12 x 20 min, 2 x 2
Blue 5 hours; 15 x 20 min, 2 x 2
HA NA
Click here to see a larger version.

 

NGC 6960- Veil Nebula
Object NGC 6960 (Veil Nebula)
Distance 2,600 ly
Constellation Cygnus
Link Veil Nebula
Date September 30, 2011 (Tucson, AZ)
Conditions Clear, Temp- 79 F, RH- 37%, DP- 42 F
Moon Waxing crescent
Seeing 2.0 - 2.5 arc-sec
Telescope RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
CCD camera SBIG STL11000M
Luminance 2 hours; 8 x 15 min, 1 x 1
Red 1 hour; 4 x 15 min, 2 x 2
Green 1 hour; 4 x 15 min, 2 x 2
Blue 1 hour; 4 x 15 min, 2 x 2
HA NA

 

 M1- Crab Nebula
Object M1 (Crab Nebula)
Distance 6,300 ly
Constellation Taurus
Link M1
Date February 22, 2011 (Tucson, AZ)
Conditions Clear, Temp- 48 F, RH- 37%, DP- 23 F
Moon Waning gibbous
Seeing 2.0 - 2.5 arc-sec
Telescope RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
CCD camera SBIG STL11000M
Luminance 2 hours; 12 x 10 min, 1 x 1
Red 1 hour; 6 x 10 min, 2 x 2
Green 1 hour; 6 x 10 min, 2 x 2
Blue 1 hour; 6 x 10 min, 2 x 2
HA NA
Click here to see a larger version.  Click here to see asteroid in FOV.

 

Horsehead Nebula Region
Object Horsehead Nebula Region
Distance 1,375 ly
Constellation Orion
Link Horsehead Nebula
Date December 09, 2010 (Tucson, AZ)
Conditions Clear, Temp- 52 F, RH- 23%, DP- 15 F
Moon Waxing crescent
Seeing Unknown
Telescope Takahashi TOA130 @ f7.7
CCD camera SBIG STL11000M
Luminance 12 x 10 min; 1 x 1
Red 6 x 10 min; 2 x 2
Green 6 x 10 min; 2 x 2
Blue 6 x 10 min; 2 x 2
HA 4 x 30 min; 2 x 2
Click here to see a larger version.

 

IC 5146- Cocoon Nebula
Object IC 5146 (Cocoon Nebula)
Distance 4,000 ly
Constellation Cygnus
Link Cocoon Nebula
Date September 14/15, 2010 (Tucson, AZ)
Conditions Clear, Temp- 76 F, RH- 27%, DP- 39 F
Moon Waxing crescent
Seeing 2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
Telescope RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
CCD camera SBIG STL11000M
Luminance 80 min 1 x 1
Red 40 min 2 x 2
Green 40 min 2 x 2
Blue 40 min 2 x 2
HA NA

 

Horsehead Nebula by Bill Freytag
Object Horsehead Nebula
Distance 1,600 ly
Constellation Orion
Link Horsehead Nebula
Date February 09, 2010 (Tucson, AZ)
Conditions Clear, Temp- 45 F, RH- 76%, DP- 38 F
Moon Waning crescent
Seeing 2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
Telescope RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
CCD camera SBIG STL11000M
Luminance 60 min 1 x 1
Red 30 min 2 x 2
Green 30 min 2 x 2
Blue 30 min 2 x 2
HA 150 min 2 x 2
Taken by JW Freytag (his first image)

 

NGC 7635- Bubble Nebula
Object NGC 7635 (Bubble Nebula)
Distance 7,100 ly
Constellation Casseopeia
Link Bubble Nebula
Date October 11, 2008 (West Bloomfield, MI)
Conditions Clear, Temp- 50 F, RH- 61%, DP- 37 F
Moon Waxing gibbous
Seeing 2.5 - 3.0 arc-sec
Telescope RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
CCD camera SBIG STL11000M
Luminance NA
Red 60 min 2 x 2
Green 60 min 2 x 2
Blue 60 min 2 x 2
HA 60 min 2 x 2

 

M20- Trifid Nebula
Object M20 (Trifid Nebula)
Distance 5,200 ly
Constellation Sagittarius
Link Messier Object 20
Date June 12, 2008 (Tucson, AZ)
Conditions Clear, Temp- 83 F, RH- 15%, DP- 30 F
Moon Waxing gibbous
Seeing 3.0 - 4.0 arc-sec
Telescope RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
CCD camera SBIG STL11000M
Luminance 60 min 1 x 1
Red 60 min 2 x 2
Green 60 min 2 x 2
Blue 60 min 2 x 2
HA NA
Click here to see a larger version.

 

M16- Eagle Nebula
Object M16 (Eagle Nebula)
Distance 7,000 ly
Constellation Serpens Cauda
Link Messier Object 16
Date June 11, 2008 (Tucson, AZ)
Conditions Clear, Temp- 87 F, RH- 22%, DP- 44 F
Moon Waxing crescent
Seeing 2.5 - 3.0 arc-sec
Telescope RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
CCD camera SBIG STL11000M
Luminance 60 min 1 x 1
Red NA
Green 60 min 2 x 2
Blue 60 min 2 x 2
HA 120 min 2 x 2

 

M57- Ring Nebula
Object M57 (Ring Nebula)
Distance 2,300 ly
Constellation Lyra
Link M57
Date July 28, 2007 (West Bloomfield, MI)
Conditions Clear, Temp- 67 F, RH- 68%, DP- 56 F
Moon Full moon
Seeing 2.0 - 2.5 arc-sec
Telescope RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
CCD camera SBIG ST10XME
Luminance 60 min 1 x 1
Red 60 min 2 x 2
Green 60 min 2 x 2
Blue 60 min 2 x 2
HA NA

 

M8- Lagoon Nebula
Object M8 (Lagoon Nebula)
Distance 5,200 ly
Constellation Sagittarius
Link M8
Date September 24 & 25, 2006 (Tucson, AZ)
Conditions Clear, Temp- 75 F, RH- 47%, DP- 54 F
Moon Waxing crescent
Seeing Unknown
Telescope Takahashi TOA130 @ f7.7
CCD camera SBIG STL11000M
Luminance 30 min 1 x 1
Red 30 min 2 x 2
Green 30 min 2 x 2
Blue 30 min 2 x 2
HA 60 min 2 x 2

 

NGC 6914
Object NGC 6914
Distance 5,000 ly
Constellation Cygnus
Link NGC 6914
Date July 23, 2006 (West Bloomfield, MI)
Conditions Clear, Temp- 64 F, RH- 65%, DP- 55 F
Moon Waxing crescent
Seeing 2.0 - 2.5 arc-sec
Telescope RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
CCD camera SBIG STL11000M
Luminance 180 min 1 x 1
Red 30 min 2 x 2
Green 30 min 2 x 2
Blue 30 min 2 x 2
HA 90 min 2 x 2

 

NGC 2244- Rosette Nebula
Object NGC 2244 (Rosette Nebula)
Distance 5,500 ly
Constellation Monoceros
Link Rosette Nebula
Date January 26, 2006 (West Bloomfield, MI)
Conditions Clear, Temp- 28 F, RH- 69%, DP- 19 F
Moon Waxing gibbous
Seeing Unknown
Telescope Takahashi Sky90 @ f4.5
CCD camera SBIG ST10XME
Luminance 20 min 1 x 1
Red 60 min 2 x 2
Green 60 min 2 x 2
Blue 90 min 2 x 2
HA 300 min 2 x 2