The Herschel 400 Astronomical League Project is underway
It’s not too late to join. We are about 30 objects into the Herschel 400. Hope to get another session in soon. Please subscribe to the YouTube channel so you get notifications on LIVE STREAMS.
Angels in Monoceros: The Monoceros M2 Complex
The Monoceros R2 molecular complex (often shortened to Mon R2) is a massive giant molecular cloud and one of the nearest active star-forming regions to Earth. It's a dynamic stellar nursery embedded in dense gas and dust, where new stars—particularly massive ones—are actively being born.
Key Facts
Location: Southwestern part of the constellation Monoceros (the Unicorn), near the border with Orion. It's part of the larger Orion-Monoceros cloud complex.
Distance: Approximately 2,400–2,700 light-years (around 830 parsecs).
Size and Structure: The main dense core is relatively compact (a few light-years across), but the overall molecular cloud and associated nebulae span a wide area—reflection nebulae alone stretch up to about 2° in the sky. It's situated well below the galactic plane, which makes it stand out in certain observations.
Age and Activity: Star formation here began roughly 6–10 million years ago. It hosts an OB association (young, hot, massive B- and A-type stars) that illuminates surrounding dust, creating prominent reflection nebulae with bluish hues. There's also significant emission from ionized gas (red glows) and dark nebulae that appear as shadowy silhouettes blocking background light.
Notable Features:
A central hub of massive star formation with embedded clusters, molecular outflows, and HII regions.
Infrared observations (like those from VISTA or 2MASS) penetrate the dust to reveal hidden young stars and protoplanetary disks.
It's a key site for studying early stellar evolution, variability in young stellar objects (YSOs), and the interplay between massive stars and their natal clouds.
The most famous and photogenic part of Mon R2 is the region around NGC 2170 (the Angel Nebula), a striking reflection nebula with wing-like dust structures, glowing blue from scattered starlight, mixed with red emission and dark lanes. Wider views of the complex reveal a richer tapestry of colorful gas, dust filaments, and star clusters.
Credit: GROK 2/28/26
Click on image for larger view.
New Astro Camera: OM-3
Join me for a LIVE conversation about this new astro camera coming to the market. Is this the best option for you? How does it compare to other options? https://www.earthandskyphoto.com Correction: when discussing Bulb mode with Canon, I incorrectly said it had a limit of 30”. I meant to say manual exposure has a max of 30”. In bulb, you need to use a remote control or app for exposure time control. The problem is you can’t set exposure time for stills in the camera menu. I was made aware that Olympus no longer owns the OM system. It is owned by Japanese industrial Partners, a private equity firm. For content on the OM-3 for astrophotography, please see Ben Chapell’s Narrow Band channel. https://youtube.com/@TheNarrowbandChannel?si=GcWY-BM9skG9LPhY
Art Show Calendar now online
The art show calendar is beginning to take shape and is now online. The calendar is now available online. The calendar lists art shows in three categories:
- Confirmed. The jury process has been completed and I have accepted an invitation to the show. If you are in the area, please come out to view and purchase the fine art prints.
- Pending. I have applied to the show and the jury process has yet to begin or is in process. If invited to participate, it is highly likely that I will accept. I will update this status as soon as I can.
- Tentative. These are shows that I have on my calendar to apply for when the jury process opens to applications. My calendar may change to not allow me to apply or accept an invitation, but it is my intention to apply and attend these shows.
I will update this page as soon as the status of a show changes. I hope to see you at a show in the near future. I am currently in final preparation for my first show in Louisville in two weeks. I will post images soon of the brand new setup and artwork on display. I am very excited about how things are coming together. Take care.
Jeff Ball Photography at new art show in Louisville, KY
Jeff Ball Photography has been invited to the Norton Commons Art Show in Louisville, KY. The dates are May 8-9 from noon to 6 p.m. each day. This is a great way to see Jeff's prints in person. The show will feature 9 portfolio images in various print sizes from 24"x18" to 14"x11". Framed and matted prints will be available. You can also tour the entire portfolio via iPad. If you live or are in the Louisville area on Mother's Day weekend, stop by the Norton Commons Art Show and visit the Jeff Ball Photography booth.
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