This is the Iris Nebula, named for its resemblance to an Iris flower.
This is my second attempt at this nebula (first try was October of 2023). The challenge is capturing the outer swirling clouds of cosmic dust, which are very faint, but contain the building blocks of the universe.
The bright star in the center of the nebula shines on surrounding dust particles, which in turn, reflect the star's blue color and give the nebula its bluish hue.
This nebula is 1,300 light years away and 6 light years across (1 light year = 6 trillion miles).
I think this is one of the most beautiful celestial areas I've photographed.
Full size resolution available here: (click "Full Resolution" at the top right):https://astrob.in/full/lyqgu1/0/
This is my second attempt at this nebula (first try was October of 2023). The challenge is capturing the outer swirling clouds of cosmic dust, which are very faint, but contain the building blocks of the universe.
The bright star in the center of the nebula shines on surrounding dust particles, which in turn, reflect the star's blue color and give the nebula its bluish hue.
This nebula is 1,300 light years away and 6 light years across (1 light year = 6 trillion miles).
I think this is one of the most beautiful celestial areas I've photographed.
Full size resolution available here: (click "Full Resolution" at the top right):https://astrob.in/full/lyqgu1/0/
