IC-5070 - The Pelican Nebula
Copyright 2009 Hap Griffin
IC6070, sometimes
called the "Pelican Nebula" lies 2000 light years away in the
constellation of Cygnus. Dark dust clouds in the nebula define the
Pelican's eyes and long bill, while a bright region of glowing hydrogen gas
outline the back of his neck. As this region of active star formation
evolves over time, a few million years from now it will no doubt no longer
resemble its namesake.
This image was captured through a narrowband filter admitting only a narrow
slice of spectrum around the wavelength of glowing hydrogen. Thus it is a
monochrome (single color) image displayed as shades of grey. Considering
the thickness of the haze and the passing clouds, it is amazing that the
hydrogen-alpha filter pulled out as much detail as it did.
Date/Location:
September 4, 2009 Griffin/Hunter
Observatory Bethune, SC
Camera: QSI 583wsg
Filters: Astrodon E Series Generation 2 HA (5nm BW)
CCD Temperature: -10 C
Instrument: Takahashi
FSQ-106N
Focal Ratio: f/5
Mount: AP-1200
Guiding: Auto through 10" Orion Newtonian w/ SBIG ST-402
Conditions: Thick haze and passing clouds
Weather: 66 F, still
Exposure: 320 minutes total (16 x 20 min)
Capture: ImagesPlus v3.80B Camera Control
Processing: Frame calibrations, alignment, Digital Development with ImagesPlus v3.75.
Finishing in Photoshop CS4.