B33 Horsehead Nebula

This famous dark nebula is located in emission nebula IC 434 in the constellation Orion. Distance from earth to Horsehead Nebula is approcimately 1500 light years. Dark dust and gas forms horse-like shadow on emissive hydrogen background. This shape was first noticed by Williamina Fleming in 1888.

Below is my narrowband Ha exposure of  B33 in grayscale palette. This project has just started. More exposure and more channels will be added later. Click for larger image!

Full field

Horse only

Details of imaging: total exposure 140min = 2h 20min.

• Ha: 7x20min (bin1x1)

Equipment:

• Imaging scope: Ikharos 102mm F7 ED doublet with 0.8x reducer / flattener
• Focal length: 572mm, F/5.6
• Camera: SBIG ST-8300M @ -20C
• Filters: Baader 2 inch SII, Ha and OIII filters