Jan 012020
With the PTO’s science camera still in the shop, I drug out my 15 year old Nikon D50. Although it doesn’t have the dynamic range or resolution of the science camera it sure is easier to create a full color image.
The Orion nebula is one of the nearest star forming regions to the Sun and based on recent analysis, is home to 700+ stars in various stages of formation. The mighty Hubble space telescope has also recorded more than 150 infant solar systems in the stellar nursery. Technically, the young systems are known as protoplanetary disks AKA proplyds.
Orion Nebula (M 42) [F:15x30s]
The nebula is just at the limit of naked eye visibility. It is the middle object in the ‘sword’ that hangs from the hunter’s three star belt.