Astral Imaging at Dogwood Ridge Observatory

Latitude: 37°48'51.0" N"
Longitude:78°23'41.0"W
Scottsville, Virginia 24590

 

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IC405 - The Flaming Star

Image Information

Quoted From APOD
Explanation:

Explanation: Rippling dust and gas lanes give the Flaming Star Nebula its name. The red and purple colors of the nebula are present in different regions and are created by different processes. The bright star AE Aurigae, visible toward the image center, is so hot it is blue, emitting light so energetic it knocks electrons away from surrounding gas. When a proton recaptures an electron, red light is frequently emitted. The purple region's color is a mix of this red light and blue light emitted by AE Aurigae but reflected to us by surrounding dust. The two regions are referred to as emission nebula and reflection nebula, respectively. Pictured below, the Flaming Star Nebula, officially known as IC 405, lies about 1500 light years distant, spans about 5 light years, and is visible with a small telescope toward the constellation of Auriga.

 

 

800 x 522       1600 x 1045

 

This image is compiled from 8 - 15 minute Luminance images.  RGB data is 8 each for 15 minutes each for a total of 8 hours of data used. All data was acquired ACP Web Interface using MaxImDl/CCD version 4.56. Images were reduced and saved in MaxIm. The data was then brought into CCDStack where bloom removal, alignment, and sigma reject was performed to produce the master image. Photoshop CS 2 was used for curves and levels.  The image data was collected over November 19-20, 2006.

Equipment and Location Information

Date November 19-20, 2006
Location Dogwood Ridge Observatory
Optics OGS10" RC @ f/6.2
Mount Astro Physics AP1200GTO
Camera SBIG ST10XME
Conditions Temperature middle  40's - 50's with very good to excellent  seeing. Transparency excellent.

    
  Last Modified :01/23/09 03:40 AM