deep-sky
nebula (dark)
B33 in IC434 – close up
The Horsehead Nebula (Barnard 33) is a dark nebula located near the star Alnitak which is the easternmost star in the belt of Orion. The constellation Orion is very prominent in he winter evening sky.
The nebula lies at approximately 1.500 light years from Earth, and is approximately 3.5 light years wide. A lot of star formation is taking place in this region. The red glow comes from hydrogen gas mostly behind the nebula which is ionized by the bright star Sigma Orionis.
The darkness of the Horsehead is caused mostly by thick dust.
Bright spots in the Horsehead Nebula’s base are young stars which are in the process of forming.
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Image information:
Object info
Name: B33 in IC434 – close up
Type: Nebula (dark)
Constellation: Orion
Distance: 1500 ly
Date & location
Date: January 9, 2011
Location: Landgraaf, The Netherlands
Equipment & optics
Total integration: 2h48m
Camera: SBIG ST-8300M
Optics: Orion Optics SPX 10″ Newton
Mount: Losmandy G-11 Gemini
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