Baader Ha 6nm 36mm Filter on Sergey's Astrophotography

IC 1805: The Heart Nebula in SHO

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 18:07:00 +0000

This spectacular image presents IC 1805, famously known as the Heart Nebula, captured using narrowband filters and processed in the classic Hubble Space Telescope (SHO) color palette. Located about 7,500 light-years away in the constellation Cassiopeia, this massive emission nebula is sculpted by the intense stellar winds and ultraviolet radiation from the young, central open star cluster known as Melotte 15.

The deep narrowband data—where Sulfur-II is mapped to red, Hydrogen-alpha to green, and Oxygen-III to blue—reveals the complex dynamics of the glowing gas and the silhouette of dark dust lanes in striking detail. To preserve a natural look for the starry background, broadband RGB data was also collected and blended specifically to render the stars in their true colors.

IC 1848: The Soul Nebula

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 15:35:00 +0000

This image captures IC 1848, famously known as the Soul Nebula, located approximately 6,500 light-years away in the constellation Cassiopeia. Together with its neighbor, the Heart Nebula, it forms a massive star-forming complex in the Perseus Spiral Arm of our galaxy.

The nebula is home to several open star clusters, such as IC 1848 itself, whose intense radiation and stellar winds have carved out the vast cavities and pillar-like structures seen in the glowing hydrogen gas. This deep exposure combines narrowband Hydrogen-alpha data to highlight the intricate structural details of the ionized clouds with RGB data to ensure natural star colors and background depth.

Sh2-115, Sh2-116 and surrounding LBNs

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 17:01:00 +0000

This deep wide-field exposure showcases Sh2-115, a prominent but faint emission nebula located in the constellation Cygnus. The field is incredibly rich in glowing hydrogen gas, featuring intricate networks of cosmic dust and faint Lynds Bright Nebulae (LBNs) spanning across the background.

Also visible in this deep field is the small, distinct circular patch of Sh2-116 (often associated with Abell 71). Once classified as a planetary nebula due to its morphological appearance, it was reclassified in 1991 as a compact HII region, although its classification is still discussed. This image perfectly highlights the intense red hydrogen-alpha emissions layered with natural RGB star colors.

NGC 7635: The Bubble Nebula

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 08:15:00 +0000

This image highlights NGC 7635, famously known as the Bubble Nebula, located in the constellation Cassiopeia. The delicate, glowing sphere is actually a cavity blown out of the surrounding molecular cloud by the intense stellar winds and radiation from a massive, hot central star (BD+60°2522). The fierce interaction between the expanding bubble and the denser surrounding material creates the sharp, luminous edges visible in this deep capture.

Note: This image is a detailed crop taken from the wider field capture of the Lobster Claw Nebula (Sh2-157) and its surrounding region.

Sh2-157: The Lobster Claw Nebula and Surrounding Region

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 08:15:00 +0000

This wide-field deep exposure captures a remarkably rich and active region of the night sky located on the border of the constellations Cassiopeia and Cepheus. Dominating the left side of the frame is Sh2-157, often referred to as the Lobster Claw Nebula, a large emission nebula characterized by its sweeping, claw-like structures of ionized hydrogen gas.

To the upper right, the iconic Bubble Nebula (NGC 7635) is clearly visible, formed by the fierce stellar wind from a massive central star pushing against the surrounding molecular cloud. Just above it sits the bright and compact open star cluster M52 (The Scorpion Cluster), beautifully contrasting the deep red hydrogen emission with the sparkling blue and white light of its hundreds of young stars. Additional smaller emission patches are scattered throughout this incredibly dynamic cosmic landscape.

Sh2-114: The Flying Dragon Nebula

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 09:12:00 +0000

Sh2-114, popularly known as the Flying Dragon Nebula, is a faint and complex emission nebula located in the constellation Cygnus. It features delicate, wispy filaments of glowing hydrogen gas that stretch across the star-rich background, creating an unmistakable silhouette of a mythical dragon taking flight across the cosmos.

The intricate, ribbon-like structures of this nebula are quite unusual. This image combines deep Hydrogen-alpha data to reveal the structural details, layered with RGB data for natural star colors.