Orion Nebula (M42) - First narrowband "color" image (with Hydrogen alpha filter) obtained by BHAS Hidden Valley
Observatory's 12" Celestron LX200. Imaged by Richard Walker, March 2018. Image integration time: 1-hour 5 minutes.
Orion Nebula (M42) - First narrowband "color" image (with Hydrogen alpha filter)
obtained by BHAS Hidden Valley
Observatory's 12" Celestron LX200.
Imaged by Richard Walker, March 2018. Image integration time: 1-hour 5
minutes.
Clipped from 3/15/18 Black Hills Astronomical Society Facebook post:
Thanks to a generous grant from the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium, and with the help of Tom Durkin Deputy Director, along with members of BHAS; our Hidden Valley Observatory implemented a significant upgrade to its data gathering capabilities earlier this week.
This has resulted in the first full color deep space narrowband image capture at the observatory. This upgrade will expand the ability of the HVO to present the wonders of the night sky to the public, and allow BHAS to continue its long tradition, and mission, of promoting the science of astronomy through education and outreach.
The "First Light" capture was of the Orion Nebula (M42) in the constellation Orion. M42 is estimated to be 24 light years across with a mass of about 2,000 times that of the Sun. Located at a distance of 1,344 light years, it is one of the brightest nebulae and is visible to the naked eye under dark sky conditions.
This image is free for public download.
BHAS Observatory Director