The Horsehead and Flame Nebulae in Orion. Narrowband. January 31st 2024

The Horsehead Nebula or Barnard 33 is a small dark nebula located in the constellation of Orion. Along with the Flame Nebulae or NGC 2024, an emission nebulae, they form one the most photographed regions in the sky. Estimations of distance put the Horsehead around 1,400 light years and the Flame anywhere between 900-1,500 light years. The bright region behind the Horsehead is a bright emission nebula designated IC 434 and just below the Horsehead is the emission and reflection nebula NGC 2023. The bright star above the Flame is the triple star system Alnitak one of the three main stars forming Orion's belt.

Finally a short break in the clouds to allow a brief imaging session.

This image was constructed using data imaged on 31st Jan 2024 using my fast Newtonian with a OSC camera and data from last year with the same camera and one of my APO's.

NEQ6PRO

Vixen R200SS with dedicated reducer/corrector @f/3.8

QHY294C Gain 290 -20C

Optolong L-eNhance narrowband filter

15 x 120sec

24 x 300sec subs

Acquisition time 150mins

NEQ6PRO

TSAPO130Q @f/5

QHY294C Gain 2900 -20C

STC Duo narrowband filter

16 x 180sec

14 x 900sec subs

Acquisition time 4hrs18mins

 

Total time 6hrs48mins

Processed using Pixinsight and Photoshop.

Done