150912 - "Orion" constellation starscape
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click image to enlarge
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ASTRO:
type=constellation starscape; dist=(varies) btw 26 and 1975 ly IMAGE: location=EB Driveway, BrtlCls=4; moon=0.4% (new); exposure=DSLR OSC: 1x20s, ISO800, f/2.8 EQUIPMENT: camera=Nikon D90 (stk); optics=NIKKOR 10.5mm "fisheye"; filter=(none); mount=simple tripod; guiding=(none) SOFTWARE: acquisition=(in-camera) processing=PhotoshopCC |
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Orion is a prominent winter constellation located on the celestial equator and visible from throughout the world. It is one of the most conspicuous and recognizable constellations in the night sky.
In August each year and from North America, Orion first becomes visible in the early morning hours (just before sunrise), then progresses to full evening views beginning in December and continuing through February. It then retreats into the dusk of evening sunsets in April and finally disappears in May, not to return until the early mornings of the following August.
Named after Orion, the mighty hunter of Greek mythology; he had super-human strength. The legend tells the story that he once killed a bear with his bare hands.
Orion's brightest stars are red giant Betelgeuse (known as α ("alpha") Orionis), and blue-white giant Rigel (also known as β ("beta") Orionis). One of the most popular constellations among amateur astronomers, the Orion constellation is rich with colorful stars, numerous emission, reflection and dark nebulae, and the molecular cloud remnants of a supernova star explosion. Because this image is comprised of only one (1), single and relatively short exposure, these faint objects are not visible. Look for other images in this collection, "240301 Orion Constellation starscape with Nebulosity" which was taken with multiple and longer exposures, and reveals many of these objects. Also find, "201225 Sh2-276 Barnard's Loop" which reveals a more concentrated image of the supernova remnant. And finally, "210309 M78 Casper Ghost & LDN1622 Boogeyman starscape" provides a beautiful close-up starscape view of a few of these prominent features, including examples of a reflection nebula (M78), a 'dark' nebula (LDN1622), and a portion of the supernova remnant (Sh2-276).
In August each year and from North America, Orion first becomes visible in the early morning hours (just before sunrise), then progresses to full evening views beginning in December and continuing through February. It then retreats into the dusk of evening sunsets in April and finally disappears in May, not to return until the early mornings of the following August.
Named after Orion, the mighty hunter of Greek mythology; he had super-human strength. The legend tells the story that he once killed a bear with his bare hands.
Orion's brightest stars are red giant Betelgeuse (known as α ("alpha") Orionis), and blue-white giant Rigel (also known as β ("beta") Orionis). One of the most popular constellations among amateur astronomers, the Orion constellation is rich with colorful stars, numerous emission, reflection and dark nebulae, and the molecular cloud remnants of a supernova star explosion. Because this image is comprised of only one (1), single and relatively short exposure, these faint objects are not visible. Look for other images in this collection, "240301 Orion Constellation starscape with Nebulosity" which was taken with multiple and longer exposures, and reveals many of these objects. Also find, "201225 Sh2-276 Barnard's Loop" which reveals a more concentrated image of the supernova remnant. And finally, "210309 M78 Casper Ghost & LDN1622 Boogeyman starscape" provides a beautiful close-up starscape view of a few of these prominent features, including examples of a reflection nebula (M78), a 'dark' nebula (LDN1622), and a portion of the supernova remnant (Sh2-276).