Mosaic - Rho Ophiuchi and IC 4592

Description: Rho Ophiuchi and IC 4592 are two stunning nebulae that offer a glimpse into the complex beauty of our galaxy. The Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex, located about 427 light-years away in the constellation Ophiuchus, is a vibrant mix of bright stars, blue reflection nebulae, and intricate dark dust lanes. It is one of the closest star-forming regions to Earth, providing a rich laboratory for studying the birth of stars and the role of interstellar dust. Just a short cosmic distance away lies IC 4592, the Blue Horsehead Nebula, in the constellation Scorpius. This reflection nebula, shaped intriguingly like a horse's head, is illuminated by the star Nu Scorpii and is composed of fine dust particles that scatter the starlight, creating its characteristic blue hue. Both nebulae are prominent in the summer skies of Kuwait and can be captured in a breathtaking two-panel mosaic using a 135mm lens, a dedicated cooled astronomy camera, and an equatorial mount. This region of the sky not only showcases the dynamic processes of stellar evolution but also offers a mesmerizing vista for astrophotographers and astronomers alike.

 

Acquisition Details;

Panel 1:

Date: June 10, 2023

Frames: 23×300" at f/2.8

Total integration:1h 55′

Avg. Moon age: 21.80 days

Avg. Moon phase: 53.70%

Locations: Al Salmy Desert, Al Jahra Governorate, Kuwait

 

Panel 2:

Dates: April 18, 2023

Frames: 87×120″ at f/2.8

Integration: 2h 54′

Avg. Moon age: 27.73 days

Avg. Moon phase: 3.62%

Locations: Al Salmy Desert, Al Jahra Governorate, Kuwait

 

Calibration:

Darks: 30

Flats: 30

Bias: 50

 

Equipment:

Lens: Rokinon 135mm f/2.0 ED UMC

Imaging Camera: ZWO ASI2600MC Pro

Mount: ZWO AM5

Accessories: ZWO ASIAIR Plus · ZWO EAF

Done