** 2010 Eureka Prize 2nd place - New Scientist Science Photography category

** Second Place: SPSP "Astro Awards" 2010

This 12.5hr exposure, taken over 3 separate nights, frames a region of the sky in the constellation
of Orion and is known to southern observers as the handle of 'The Saucepan'. More formally it is
known as the 'Sword of Orion' and includes the famous Orion Nebula, a large nearby gaseous star
forming region in our galaxy. The ionisation of Hydrogen atoms, by ultra violet radiation, emitted
by stars deep inside the nebula, produces the predominantly red hues. Clouds of fine dust particles
appear blue-grey due to the scattering of short visible light wavelengths, in a process known as
Rayleigh scattering. Cold foreground dust and molecular hydrogen create a fine intricate web of
obscuring dark clouds silhouetted against the glowing gasses. The combined atomic and optical
processes coordinate to produce this stellar kaleidoscope of wispy details and wonderful colours.

See the top 25 entries here: http://australianmuseum.net.au/Top-25-Science-Photography-Prize