Flaming Star and Tadpole nebula (second pass)
Finally managed to acquire some more Sii data and decided to process a bit differently. Lots of new challenges. Apparently at -20C the optics are pinched especially in one of the ACL200's: the stars became triangular, never had this problem with this scope before, but never used it in such extreme cold, luckily still able to fix in processing. Also, halfway through the first session one of the telescopes suddenly slipped out of focus, perhaps also related to the cold. And finally, yet again, despite a new rigid design to hold the Nikon 70-200 lens in place it drifted a bit off course. At this point I am wondering if it's something internal in the lens that shifts a tiny amount as the angle changes. It seems to happen about half hour before I reach the meridian and about 15 minutes of frames are lost, then it's solid again. Very odd. But decided not to lose sleep over it ;)
"The Flaming Star Nebula and the Tadpole Nebula offer a unique glimpse into the processes of star formation and the dynamics of interstellar matter.
Flaming Star Nebula (IC 405)
General Overview The Flaming Star Nebula, also known as IC 405, is an emission/reflection nebula located in the constellation Auriga. It is about 1,500 light years away from Earth. This nebula is illuminated by the bright star AE Aurigae, which is a runaway star, believed to have been ejected from the Trapezium Cluster in the Orion Nebula after a close encounter with other stars.
Key Features
Star AE Aurigae: Central to the nebula’s visibility, AE Aurigae is a massive, young, and hot O-type star whose high-energy light excites the surrounding gas, causing it to glow with a characteristic blue hue in photographs.
Emission and Reflection Regions: The Flaming Star Nebula exhibits both emission and reflection characteristics. The red areas signify emission from hydrogen gas excited by the star's ultraviolet radiation, while the blue regions show light from AE Aurigae reflected off dust particles.
Molecular Clouds: Surrounding the nebula are dense molecular clouds, rich in material that may eventually form new stars, indicating ongoing stellar formation activity.
Tadpole Nebula (IC 410)
General Overview The Tadpole Nebula, known as IC 410, is an emission nebula located about 12,000 light years away in the constellation Auriga. It is notably near the Flaming Star Nebula but is distinguished by its larger and more diffuse appearance, as well as its intriguing internal structures shaped like tadpoles.
Key Features
The Tadpoles: Inside the nebula are two large, elongated structures that resemble tadpoles. These are thought to be formed by the wind from the young massive stars in the region sculpting the denser parts of the surrounding molecular cloud.
Star Cluster NGC 1893: At the heart of IC 410 is the young cluster NGC 1893, which is responsible for ionizing the gas of the nebula. This cluster contains several hot, young stars whose intense radiation shapes and illuminates the nebula.
Emission Characteristics: Like the Flaming Star Nebula, IC 410 primarily emits light due to the excitation of hydrogen gas by the ultraviolet radiation from its young stars.
Scientific Significance Both nebulae are subjects of ongoing astrophysical research. They are especially valuable for studying the effects of high-energy stars on their environments, the processes of star formation, and the dynamics within active stellar nurseries. Observations and studies of these nebulae help astronomers understand more about the lifecycle of stars and the evolution of galaxies."
Taken with 3 small telescopes simultaneously:
Askar ACL200: 200mm f/4 with ASI533MC @ -20C
80xRgb@5m
Askar ACL200: 200mm f/4 with ASI533MM @ -20C
34xHa, 36xSii @5m
Nikon 70-200mm 200mm f/2.8 with ASI533MM @ -20C
74xOiii @5m
Guided on ZWO AM5
Captured with N.I.N.A. processed with PixInsight, Ps
Flaming Star and Tadpole nebula (second pass)
Finally managed to acquire some more Sii data and decided to process a bit differently. Lots of new challenges. Apparently at -20C the optics are pinched especially in one of the ACL200's: the stars became triangular, never had this problem with this scope before, but never used it in such extreme cold, luckily still able to fix in processing. Also, halfway through the first session one of the telescopes suddenly slipped out of focus, perhaps also related to the cold. And finally, yet again, despite a new rigid design to hold the Nikon 70-200 lens in place it drifted a bit off course. At this point I am wondering if it's something internal in the lens that shifts a tiny amount as the angle changes. It seems to happen about half hour before I reach the meridian and about 15 minutes of frames are lost, then it's solid again. Very odd. But decided not to lose sleep over it ;)
"The Flaming Star Nebula and the Tadpole Nebula offer a unique glimpse into the processes of star formation and the dynamics of interstellar matter.
Flaming Star Nebula (IC 405)
General Overview The Flaming Star Nebula, also known as IC 405, is an emission/reflection nebula located in the constellation Auriga. It is about 1,500 light years away from Earth. This nebula is illuminated by the bright star AE Aurigae, which is a runaway star, believed to have been ejected from the Trapezium Cluster in the Orion Nebula after a close encounter with other stars.
Key Features
Star AE Aurigae: Central to the nebula’s visibility, AE Aurigae is a massive, young, and hot O-type star whose high-energy light excites the surrounding gas, causing it to glow with a characteristic blue hue in photographs.
Emission and Reflection Regions: The Flaming Star Nebula exhibits both emission and reflection characteristics. The red areas signify emission from hydrogen gas excited by the star's ultraviolet radiation, while the blue regions show light from AE Aurigae reflected off dust particles.
Molecular Clouds: Surrounding the nebula are dense molecular clouds, rich in material that may eventually form new stars, indicating ongoing stellar formation activity.
Tadpole Nebula (IC 410)
General Overview The Tadpole Nebula, known as IC 410, is an emission nebula located about 12,000 light years away in the constellation Auriga. It is notably near the Flaming Star Nebula but is distinguished by its larger and more diffuse appearance, as well as its intriguing internal structures shaped like tadpoles.
Key Features
The Tadpoles: Inside the nebula are two large, elongated structures that resemble tadpoles. These are thought to be formed by the wind from the young massive stars in the region sculpting the denser parts of the surrounding molecular cloud.
Star Cluster NGC 1893: At the heart of IC 410 is the young cluster NGC 1893, which is responsible for ionizing the gas of the nebula. This cluster contains several hot, young stars whose intense radiation shapes and illuminates the nebula.
Emission Characteristics: Like the Flaming Star Nebula, IC 410 primarily emits light due to the excitation of hydrogen gas by the ultraviolet radiation from its young stars.
Scientific Significance Both nebulae are subjects of ongoing astrophysical research. They are especially valuable for studying the effects of high-energy stars on their environments, the processes of star formation, and the dynamics within active stellar nurseries. Observations and studies of these nebulae help astronomers understand more about the lifecycle of stars and the evolution of galaxies."
Taken with 3 small telescopes simultaneously:
Askar ACL200: 200mm f/4 with ASI533MC @ -20C
80xRgb@5m
Askar ACL200: 200mm f/4 with ASI533MM @ -20C
34xHa, 36xSii @5m
Nikon 70-200mm 200mm f/2.8 with ASI533MM @ -20C
74xOiii @5m
Guided on ZWO AM5
Captured with N.I.N.A. processed with PixInsight, Ps