CG4 – Cometary Globule (The Hand of God) – Gum Nebula

Image Title: CG4 – Cometary Globule (The Hand of God) – Gum Nebula

Copyright: Dilan Rosa

Date image was taken: March 15, 2026

Location: Dois Córregos, São Paulo, Brazil (Bortle 4.7)

Data Acquisition Method: Personal Telescope Setup

Description and Details: CG4 has always been one of the most incredible targets in the southern sky, in my opinion. Its intricate network of emission nebulae, dark dust, and the famous cometary globule make this one of the most fascinating regions to image. Sculpted by the intense radiation from nearby massive stars, its distinctive shape often sparks the imagination, resembling a mysterious creature silently drifting through the depths of space.
Capturing this object required a two-hour drive from my city to reach Bortle 4.7 skies, where its faint structures could finally emerge. Every kilometer was worth it.
This image combines 74 × 300-second exposures, totaling 6 hours and 10 minutes of integration, captured with an Askar SQA55 (264mm f/4.8), Player One Poseidon-C Pro, Antlia Tri Band RGB Pro 2" filter, and a ZWO AM3 mount, guided with a William Optics UniGuide 32 and a ToupTek GP CMOS O2000 KMA guide camera. The final image was processed in PixInsight using a natural HOO palette to preserve the delicate balance between hydrogen and oxygen emission.

Name: Dilan Rosa

Website or Facebook Profile: https://app.astrobin.com/u/DilanRosa