Your guide to astrophotography

Nebula

SH2-234: The Spider Nebula (IC417) in Auriga

The Spider Nebula, also referenced as IC 417 and SH2-234, is an emission nebula located in the constellation Auriga, the Charioteer. It’s an example of a stellar nursery, where new stars are being born. Some of the more famous nebula are also stellar nurseries, including the Orion Nebula, the Lagoon Nebula, theEagle Nebula, and the Trifid Nebula.

Located roughly 10,000 light-years away, IC 417 is a spectacular emission nebula. Emission nebulae are clouds of gas and dust that glow due to the energetic radiation from young, hot stars embedded within them. In the case of IC 417, these stars are responsible for illuminating the surrounding gas and sculpting it into wispy tendrils and pillars.

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March 22, 2024
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IC 417 - The Spider Nebula

Best Practices

How to Best Use StarNet within PixInsight

As expected, astrophotos are filled with stars. Hidden treasures often lie behind the starry brilliance. This is where the magic of StarNet in PixInsight is used to remove the stars that obscure the breathtaking details hiding in the background.

What if you could remove the stars? What would you be able to do?

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March 21, 2024
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Galaxy

Messier 106 (M106): Photograph the Details in the Galaxy Core

As the northern hemisphere moves into springtime, that brings about the start of galaxy season for astrophotographers. During the warmer northern months of spring and summer, Earth is facing towards the outer edge of the Milky Way galaxy (our home galaxy). This makes it easier to see the remote galaxies. During the colder months of fall and winter, the nighttime side of Earth faces into the heart of our galaxy. This is where we see the numerous nebula.

To kick off galaxy season 2024, we take a look at Messier 106 (M106), also known as NGC 4258. It is a majestic intermediate spiral galaxy located roughly 23 million light-years away in the constellation Canes Venatici, the Hunting Dogs. M106 is a giant among galaxies, boasting a diameter of over 130,000 light-years, comparable to our own Milky Way galaxy

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March 16, 2024
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M106 - Galaxy in Canes Venatici (RGB)

Cluster

Messier 15 (M15): The Great Cluster of Pegasus

M15, also known as the Pegasus Globular Cluster or NGC 7078, is a magnificent swarm of hundreds of thousands of ancient stars, residing in the constellation Pegasus. Discovered in 1746, M15 is one of the oldest known globular clusters in our galaxy, estimated to be around 12.5 billion years old.

Located approximately 33,600 light-years from Earth, M15 boasts an apparent magnitude of 6.2, meaning it can be seen with the naked eye under dark skies. However, binoculars or a small telescope offer a more detailed view, revealing its impressive structure. The best time to observe M15 is during the fall months from the Northern Hemisphere.

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March 3, 2024
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M15 - Great Cluster of Pegasus