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Gerhard Bachmayer | all galleries >> AstroPhotos >> Astrophotos 2003 - 2007 > The Sword of Orion
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29-JAN-2006

The Sword of Orion

The 'Sword of Orion' contains a few of the most beautiful nebulae in the sky: NGC 1977 ( 'Running Man Nebula') to the left, small M43in the middle, and last -but not least - M42, the 'Great Nebula in Orion'. All of them shine in the spectral emission line of hydrogen and oxygen.
The whole complex is embedded in a huge hydrogen cloud, visible dimly red. The 'Trapezium' in the middle of the small bright patch in M42 has caved out a big hollow shell by its radiation, which excites the inner walls to glow brightly.

Canon EOS 20D
Modified Canon 20D mounted on a TMB 80mm/F6 + Televue 0.8x reducer/flattener. Halpha ( Astronomik Ha, 13nm): 14x600sec/ISO800; OIII ( Astronomik OIII, 13nm): 14x600sec/ISO800;RGB ( IDAS-LPS): 20x300sec/ISO800, 5x120sec/ISO800, 4x30sec/ISO800. Calibration and stacking, averaging, color balancing, sharpening in Images Plus and Photoshop CS2. full exif

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Pablo Yáñez27-Feb-2007 19:32
If you could see me now I'd be making that sound that Homer S makes after he sees some donuts or pizza or beer -- you know the sound?

Stunningly fantastic image(s) make me want to get into astrophotography very badly - but I fear that the budget is an issue. For now I'll add you to my favorites and enjoy them in the 3rd person.

Voted.
Neil Paskin24-Feb-2007 00:35
I know virtually nothing about Astrophotography, but that is one awesome shot!
Guest 24-Mar-2006 00:31
such a beautiful shot, and so clean image compared to the film days.
Daniel 07-Feb-2006 20:18
That has got to be the most beautiful pic of Orion I have ever seen! Awesomw job!
Simon 05-Feb-2006 21:57
Awesome Gerhard! A rich reward for your efforts!