Floating quietly in the constellation Delphinus, Abell 72 is a faint planetary nebula and one of the lesser-known entries in George Abell’s 1966 catalog. Its delicate structure and low surface brightness make it a challenging target for astrophotographers and visual observers alike. The nebula marks the remains of a Sun-like star in its final evolutionary stages, having shed its outer layers and exposed its hot, ultraviolet-emitting core.

Appearing here as a delicate blue shell against a dense starfield, Abell 72 spans nearly two arcminutes across. Its rounded, bubble-like structure reveals subtle inner details when captured with long exposures and careful image calibration. The glowing gas is primarily ionized oxygen (OIII), giving it its distinct blue hue. Despite its ghostly appearance, this fading stellar envelope tells a vivid story of transformation and cosmic recycling.

Nestled 4,200 light-years away in the southern constellation Norma (historically La Règle), the paired emission nebulae NGC 6164 and NGC 6165 stretch outward from the massive O-type star HD 148937, forming a striking bipolar structure reminiscent of a cosmic flame or dragon’s breath. The brighter, compact central region is enveloped by faint, curving tendrils of ionized gas, which are sculpted by powerful stellar winds and past mass ejections.

The surrounding nebulosity likely resulted from HD 148937 undergoing unstable outbursts during its short, turbulent lifetime. At the heart of the image, hydrogen-alpha emission glows in magenta hues, while oxygen-rich filaments shimmer in shades of blue, revealing the complexity of this rarely imaged stellar outflow. Deep, narrowband exposures and refined processing were required to capture the delicate structure and faint outer arcs of this extraordinary object.

In this remarkable first light image from the newly commissioned TI45 450mm telescope, the complex star-forming region NGC 6357, also known as the Lobster Nebula—unfolds in stunning SHO detail. Captured at f/4 using a Moravian C3 camera mounted on a PlaneWave L500, the image showcases the intense emission from sulfur (red), hydrogen (green), and oxygen (blue) with a narrowband palette, revealing a turbulent environment of glowing gas, dark dust pillars, and emerging star clusters. At the heart of the nebula lies the open cluster Pismis 24, home to some of the most massive stars known in our galaxy.

Spanning nearly 400 light-years across in the constellation Scorpius and located about 5,500 light-years away, NGC 6357 is a hotbed of stellar birth, shaped by the fierce winds and radiation of its young, massive stars. This 71-hour integration represents not just an astrophotographic milestone for the instrument's debut but a deep dive into the raw power of stellar feedback sculpting the interstellar medium.

This sharply detailed 7-panel lunar mosaic showcases the expansive Mare Imbrium region, one of the Moon’s most prominent and scientifically significant impact basins. The lava-flooded plains are surrounded by dramatic features such as the Montes Alpes and Montes Apenninus mountain ranges, along with the distinctive craters Plato, Archimedes, Aristillus, and Autolycus. Toward the right, the powerful ray system of Copernicus crater is clearly visible, while Sinus Iridum and other features round out the mosaic's western edge. A full lunar disc inset in the top right marks the imaged area for reference.

This ethereal arc of glowing gas marks part of the supernova remnant Sh2-91, located in the rich star fields of the constellation Cygnus. Likely the result of a massive star that exploded tens of thousands of years ago, the remnant stretches across space in tangled, luminous filaments of ionized hydrogen (red) and oxygen (blue-green). Though not as well-known as the Veil Nebula, Sh2-91 is believed to be part of the same vast Cygnus Loop complex, now fading into the interstellar medium.

Captured in exquisite detail, this deep exposure reveals the shock fronts sweeping through the surrounding interstellar material. The arcing structure and radiant hues convey the immense energy of the original explosion, now diffused across light-years of space.

Nestled 1,300 light-years away in the constellation Cepheus, NGC 7023, also known as the Iris Nebula, is a striking example of a reflection nebula. Illuminated by a hot, young star at its center, the surrounding interstellar dust scatters the starlight, producing the soft blue glow seen in this image. The intricate network of dark tendrils, shaped by magnetic fields and turbulent motion, testifies to the dynamic nature of the interstellar medium.

Captured in June 2025 by the Game Shark Collective, John Poole, Jeff Newgard, Derek Morf, and Stefan Pommerin—this deep image reveals not just the core of the Iris but also the vast, faint molecular dust clouds that envelop it. With exceptional detail and contrast, the nebula appears to bloom from within a cocoon of cosmic smoke, highlighting the complex interplay between light and matter in star-forming regions.

NGC 7293, better known as the Helix Nebula, is a planetary nebula located approximately 655 light-years away in the constellation Aquarius. Often nicknamed the “Eye of God” for its shape, the Helix represents the final stages in the life of a Sun-like star, as it sheds its outer layers into space. The exposed stellar core, a white dwarf, remains at the center, illuminating the surrounding gases in vivid emission.

This image is a deep and highly detailed view composed of more than 115 hours of integration: 289 exposures in H-alpha, 186 in SII, 180 in OIII (each 600 seconds), and shorter RGB exposures to preserve color fidelity. The resulting composite reveals intricate filaments of ionized gas and the faint outer halo, rarely captured in such clarity. The contrast between the bright inner ring and the extended tendrils of gas adds striking dimensionality to this iconic object.

Messier 106, a bright spiral galaxy in Canes Venatici, lies about 23 million light-years away and dominates the small local galaxy group known as Canes II. Its striking structure includes tightly wound spiral arms and a bright, active nucleus powered by a supermassive black hole. Radio and X-ray observations suggest that jets of material are being ejected perpendicular to the galaxy’s disk, producing faint wisps of emission often associated with Seyfert activity.

This deep image, captured from South Portugal, reveals several companion galaxies scattered across the frame, along with intricate dust lanes and a vivid galactic core. Taken using an Astrosib RC 400 on a DDM85 mount with a Moravian C4 CMOS camera, the final image combines precise tracking and post-processing using PixInsight and Photoshop to showcase the structure and surroundings of this energetic galaxy system.

Sharpless 34, or Sh2-34, is a sprawling and faint emission nebula located in the constellation Aquila, roughly 4,500 light-years from Earth. This expansive region is part of a large complex of hydrogen gas energized by the intense ultraviolet radiation from nearby hot, young stars. Though rarely imaged due to its subtle structure and low surface brightness, Sh2-34 presents a tapestry of interwoven filaments and diffuse ionized gas, painted in rich hues of red by hydrogen-alpha emission.

The nebula is thought to be a remnant of past stellar activity, possibly shaped by the powerful winds and supernovae of OB-type stars. Its complex morphology and vast reach across the Milky Way’s plane make it a fascinating subject for deep-sky astrophotography, especially in narrowband filters that reveal the intricate structures otherwise invisible to the human eye.

Floating like a cosmic jellyfish amid a sea of glowing gas and dust, RCW 104 surrounds a dying star located roughly 9,000 light-years away in the constellation Norma. At the heart of this stunning nebula is the Wolf–Rayet star WR 75, a massive stellar remnant shedding its outer layers through intense stellar winds. The bubble-like structure is formed as these winds collide with surrounding material, energizing the gas and sculpting the vibrant nebular shell.

This wide-field portrait, taken from the dark skies of the SADR Observatory in Chile, reveals not only the turquoise-blue bubble of RCW 104 but also the expansive background of red hydrogen-alpha filaments that dominate the surrounding region. The sharp contrast between the cool, turbulent winds of the Wolf–Rayet star and the dense, glowing hydrogen of the interstellar medium makes this a compelling glimpse into the final stages of stellar evolution.

One of the most colorful and photogenic regions in the night sky, the Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex is a rich interplay of dark dust, glowing gas, and young stars. Located about 400 light-years from Earth in the constellation Ophiuchus, this molecular cloud hosts both reflection nebulae and emission nebulae. The bright blue glow around the star Rho Ophiuchi results from starlight scattering off fine dust particles, while the red regions reveal areas where hydrogen gas is ionized by ultraviolet radiation from hot stars.

Captured over 50 hours at Deep Sky Chile, this mosaic blends RGB and H-alpha exposures to reveal the fine structure and subtle hues of the region, from the vibrant reds near Sh2-27 and IC 4604 to the sweeping brown dust lanes and pockets of star formation. The view includes multiple well-known objects like Antares, M4, and the blue reflection nebula IC 4603, all intertwined within the dusty folds of this dynamic star-forming environment.

Towering in the constellation Cepheus, the Elephant’s Trunk Nebula is a dense concentration of gas and dust sculpted by stellar winds and radiation from nearby massive stars. Designated IC 1396A, this dark, sinuous formation is part of the much larger emission region IC 1396, located roughly 2,400 light-years from Earth. The nebula glows from ionized hydrogen illuminated by the star HD 206267, while young protostars still forming inside the cloud drive subtle outflows that shape its intricate structure.

This deep LRGB image, captured from Frosty Acres Ranch during the Golden State Star Party in California, reveals fine detail in the nebula’s dusty ridges and glowing pink edges. Star formation is active within the trunk, with Herbig-Haro objects and infrared sources nestled within the obscured regions. The contrast between the dark globule and its luminous surroundings makes this one of the most recognizable star-forming pillars in the night sky.

Delicate filaments of interstellar dust drift across this striking high-resolution image of galactic cirrus, catalogued as TGU H1972. Located in the southern constellation Apus, the Bird of Paradise, this rarely imaged cloud lies far from the galactic plane and glows faintly in reflected starlight. Its shape bears a striking resemblance to a soaring eagle with outstretched wings, earning it an evocative nickname among astrophotographers.

Galactic cirrus, also called integrated flux nebulae, are composed of fine dust particles illuminated by the combined light of the Milky Way’s stars. Though often overlooked due to their subtle glow, these wisps trace the structure of the interstellar medium in our galaxy's halo. First noticed in a wider-field view, this section was later revisited at longer focal length to reveal the intricate detail of the dusty structure drifting quietly in space.

A new stellar explosion lights up spiral galaxy NGC 5033 in this image taken from Weatherly, Pennsylvania, USA. Designated SN 2025mvn, the supernova appears just off-center within the galaxy's brilliant core, marked by yellow crosshairs. NGC 5033 lies about 40 million light-years away in the constellation Canes Venatici and is noted for its active nucleus and prominent spiral structure.

Captured under Bortle Class 4 skies at Dark Side Observatory, the image reveals the galaxy’s luminous arms stretching outward, with the transient supernova outshining many of the surrounding stars. Events like SN 2025mvn help astronomers study the life cycles of massive stars and calibrate cosmic distances, making every supernova discovery a significant one in our quest to understand the universe.

Messier 13, also known as the Great Hercules Cluster, is one of the finest globular clusters visible from the Northern Hemisphere. Located approximately 22,000 light-years away in the constellation Hercules, this vast stellar swarm contains several hundred thousand stars packed into a region about 145 light-years across. Many of its stars are ancient, dating back over 11 billion years.

This deep LRGB image was captured over 17 hours and 50 minutes, revealing the dense, bright core and intricate halo of stars that extend outward into the surrounding field. Blue-tinged horizontal branch stars and cooler red giants are easily visible. The Great Cluster continues to be a popular target for both visual observation and astrophotography, showcasing the grandeur of stellar evolution in our galaxy’s halo.

From a dark-sky site in Novara, Italy, this high-resolution narrowband image captures the famous Ring Nebula (M57) in remarkable detail. Located about 2,300 light-years away in the constellation Lyra, M57 is a planetary nebula, the glowing shell of ionized gas ejected by a dying Sun-like star. The well-known central ring glows in blue-green hues from doubly ionized oxygen (OIII), while deep hydrogen-alpha (Hα) imaging reveals an extended reddish halo of previously ejected material.

This image is the result of nearly 29 hours of total exposure, with 13 hours and 40 minutes in Hα and 15 hours and 15 minutes in OIII, using individual 900-second subframes. The data unveils delicate filamentary structures in the nebula’s outer regions, offering insight into the star’s complex mass-loss history and interaction with the interstellar medium.

M83 (NGC 5236), also known as the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy, is a striking barred spiral galaxy in the constellation Hydra, located approximately 15 million light-years away. Spanning about 55,000 light-years in diameter, this galaxy features prominent spiral arms, rich in young blue stars and regions of active star formation traced by glowing hydrogen. It is among the brightest nearby galaxies and a popular visual target in southern skies.

Its central region is especially active, containing a compact core surrounded by starburst activity. Observers have recorded at least six supernovae in M83, reflecting its intense stellar life cycle. The fine detail visible in the spiral arms and nucleus showcases M83’s role as a laboratory for studying galactic dynamics and stellar evolution in a nearby grand design spiral.

Located approximately 5,000 light years away in the constellation Sagittarius, the Trifid Nebula (M20) is a rare combination of three distinct nebula types in one region: emission (red), reflection (blue), and dark (silhouetted against the background glow). The striking red glow comes from ionized hydrogen gas energized by ultraviolet radiation from young, massive stars, while the blue haze reflects starlight off interstellar dust.

The nebula's signature dark lanes appear to divide it into three lobes, giving it the name "Trifid." These dust structures are part of active star-forming regions where gravity and turbulence shape dense clouds. This natural color image beautifully captures the balance between structure and chaos in one of the galaxy’s most photogenic nurseries.

RCW 58 is a dramatic emission nebula formed by the powerful stellar winds of the Wolf-Rayet star WR 4, located roughly 13,000 light years away in the constellation Carina. These winds expel the star’s outer layers into surrounding space, carving out the distinctive filamentary bubble seen in this image. The glowing gases are primarily hydrogen and oxygen, energized by intense ultraviolet radiation from the central star.

Captured using a personal telescope setup and the ZWO ASI 6200MM camera, this image represents 156 hours of exposure in a modified HOO-RVB palette. The red filaments trace ionized hydrogen, while the blue highlights areas of doubly ionized oxygen. Wolf-Rayet nebulae like RCW 58 are short-lived stages in the evolution of massive stars, providing a glimpse into the final, unstable phases before a potential supernova.

A dramatic evolution of a massive solar prominence that erupted from the Sun’s limb. Towering over 300,000 kilometers above the chromosphere, this colossal plasma structure offered a vivid display of solar activity and dynamic magnetic forces at work.

The image sequence documents three key stages of the event:

• June 28, 05:47 UTC – The prominence appeared stable, resembling a massive, tree-like arch rising from the solar surface.

• June 29, 06:02 UTC – The structure began to stretch and detach, signaling the start of an outbound eruption.

• June 29, 16:56 UTC – The prominence had fully lifted away from the Sun, transforming into a faint, wispy cloud as it rapidly disintegrated and expanded into the heliosphere.

This event likely culminated in a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME), sending charged particles into space at incredible speeds. It's a powerful reminder of the Sun’s ever-changing, dynamic nature.