The iconic Horsehead Nebula (Barnard 33, the designation IC 434 referring to the bright nebulosity behind the Horsehead), lends itself to a considerably more dramatic interpretation than the first image taken of this nebula. The image is based on a combination hydrogen-alpha and sulphur-II ultra-fast narrowband data with a reduced star field. The sulphur-II emission data is mapped to yellow and highlights the regions of most intense radiation. IC 434 is approximately 1500 ly from Earth with an apparent magnitude of 6.8. The nebula is located within the constellation of Orion with the bright star (Alnitak) being part of “Orion’s belt. To the left and below IC 434 is the Flame Nebula (NGC 2024). The image is part of the “Flaming Sky” series: Showcase.
Celestron RASA 11″
10Micron GM1000 HPS
SIGMA fp L (monochrome)
H-alpha and S-II ultra-fast narrowband filters
ca. 2.5 hrs, ISO 1600, F2.2, 620mm