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
Almost Heaven Star Party 2024 Video and Images
Please join me on my latest YouTube video from the Almost Heaven Star Party on Spruce Knob Mountain in my home state of West Virginia. A spectacular location and a lot of photographic equipment changes with a renewed dedication to the fine art print.
Green Bank Star Quest 2024
This is a must-attend event for anyone curious about the universe and a passion for beautiful scenery. Please see my latest video where I present the 2024 version of the Green Bank Star Quest.
The Great Aurora of 2024 and AR3664
What an amazing evening of God’s splendor across the globe! So many witnessed and shared the beauty of an aurora for the first time! For my experience, please see the YouTube video below. Thanks and clear skies.
May 12, 2024 Sun with AR3664 in white light
Sun on May 12, 2024 with AR3664 in h-alpha light
Big Dipper Aurora
Aurora Swirls
Totality at Yellowwood-The Total Solar Eclipse of April 8, 2024
I hope you and your family were able to enjoy the spectacle of the total solar eclipse.
Below are my images and videos that try to capture the splendor of God’s Creation on display.
For more information and a technical presentation on the gear and techniques, please view my YouTube video below.
Unistellar eVscope eQuinox model for Sale
I simply have too much stuff. As you know, I maximize my time under a dark sky with multiple imaging setups. I simply cannot fit the eQuinox eVscope into my imaging plans. My experience with the eQuinox was fantastic.I had the nit out 3 times under the stars. I have not used it in over 1 year. And I am raising funds for solar eclipse gear LOL. When I have clear skies, my time is spent with my full telescope imaging setups.
You can see from the gallery below, whether you are looking for classic deep sky objects or off-the-wall objects like the Monkey Head, the eQuinox delivers some pretty cool images in just a few minutes. So, please put this wonderful instrument to use under your clear skies!
Price $1,000 = $50 for shipping. Includes eQuinox eVscope (version 2.5), rugged custom made backpack, and original shipping box.
Thanks for looking.
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