Your guide to astrophotography

Galaxy

NGC 4725: Barred Spiral Galaxy in Coma Berenices

NGC 4725 is a striking spiral galaxy situated in the constellation Coma Berenices. Its placement in the night sky makes it a great subject for astronomers and astrophotographers alike. From Earth, NGC 4725 is 40 million light years away (40 mega-light years). This particular galaxy is the brightest member of the Coma I group of galaxies.

NGC 4725 showcases a grand spiral structure with well-defined arms that sweep outward from its bright central core. The galaxy spans a considerable distance, with its spiral arms adorned with regions of active star formation and interstellar dust.

(more…)

Comments Off on NGC 4725: Barred Spiral Galaxy in Coma Berenices
December 22, 2023
Read more about the article NGC 4725: Barred Spiral Galaxy in Coma Berenices

NGC 4725

Cluster

Messier 2 (M2): See How to Capture the Beauty of Globular Cluster Through Your Telescope

Globular Cluster M2 is a captivating assembly of stars located in the constellation Aquarius. This globular cluster, situated approximately 33,000 light-years from Earth, has become a celestial highlight for observers worldwide due to is brightness, size, and easy observability.

M2 boasts a dense and symmetrical core, comprising hundreds of thousands of stars gravitationally bound together. The stars within M2 are ancient, with ages estimated to be around 13 billion years, making them some of the oldest objects in our Milky Way galaxy (our sun is only 4.5 billion years old).

(more…)

Comments Off on Messier 2 (M2): See How to Capture the Beauty of Globular Cluster Through Your Telescope
December 16, 2023
Read more about the article Messier 2 (M2): See How to Capture the Beauty of Globular Cluster Through Your Telescope

M2 - Global Cluster in Aquarius

Galaxy

Imaging Bode’s Galaxy and the Cigar Galaxy in a Mosaic

Galaxies M81 and M82 stand as celestial neighbors in the Ursa Major constellation, captivating astronomers and stargazers alike with their unique features and cosmic stories.

M81, also known as Bode’s Galaxy, is a grand spiral galaxy, exhibiting well-defined spiral arms and a prominent central bar structure. The outer arms are adorned with regions of star formation and dust lanes. Around 29 million light years away, the bright central region contributes to the galaxy’s overall brightness.

(more…)

Comments Off on Imaging Bode’s Galaxy and the Cigar Galaxy in a Mosaic
December 3, 2023
Read more about the article Imaging Bode’s Galaxy and the Cigar Galaxy in a Mosaic

M81 and M82 - Bode's and Cigar Galaxies

Nebula

Messier 27 (M27): The Dumbbell Nebula in Vulpecula

The Dumbbell Nebula, also known as Messier 27 or M27, is a prominent planetary nebula located in the constellation Vulpecula. Planetary nebulae are shells of ionized gas and dust ejected from aging stars, and despite their name, they have no direct connection with planets. Studying planetary nebulae, like M27, provides valuable insights into the late stages of stellar evolution, including the final evolution of our sun. The process of a star shedding its outer layers and forming a nebula contributes to the enrichment of the interstellar medium with heavy elements, which can later be incorporated into new stars and planetary systems.

M27 is one of the brightest and most well-known planetary nebulae in the night sky. Most planetary nebulae look small from Earth, because they are much farther away than M27. This planetary nebula is 1360 light years away. Pretty close compared to everything else that is out there.

(more…)

Comments Off on Messier 27 (M27): The Dumbbell Nebula in Vulpecula
November 19, 2023
Read more about the article Messier 27 (M27): The Dumbbell Nebula in Vulpecula

M27 - The Dumbbell Nebula