Date 2009	Location Fredericksburg TX	Software CCDSoft, CCDStack	Mount Paramount ME	Guide STL-11000M
Optic Televue NP 101is	Camera STL-11000M	Filter Astrodon C/R-G-B	Exposure 900 / 600s (2 x 2)	Process Photoshop CS2

Billions and Billions.com/Alnitak Region

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Alnitak Region of Orion's Belt

This spectacular region of sky is just off the left belt star of Orion.  Called Alnitak, it's the bright star just above the beautiful Flame Nebula.  At center is the incredible Horse Head Nebula, an absorption nebula designated Barnard 33.  The red emission nebula forming the backdrop is IC 434.  Despite being a frequently photographed area it never ceases to knock my socks off.  Thanks a million to David Plesko and Cherry Mountain Observatory Scope Rental for allowing me to process this gorgeous data for us.  The photograph was published by Astronomy Magazine's Online Newsletter and served as a cover shot for both Astrophoto Insight Magazine and the MWAIC 2009 handout.  Click the image for a larger version or return to the Gallery