M42, The Orion Nebula in HaRGB

Image Title: Messier 42 - The Great Orion Nebula and Its Surroundings

Copyright: Antonio Ferretti & Att

Date image was taken: December 12, 2025

Location: Lanciano (Italy)

Data Acquisition Method: Personal Telescope Setup

Description and Details: At the heart of the Orion Nebula (M42) lies one of the most studied star-forming regions in our Galaxy. In this vast cosmic nursery, young, massive stars emit intense ultraviolet radiation that ionizes the surrounding gas, revealing dense regions, compact clouds, and delicate structures of dust and plasma. This radiation not only makes the nebula’s complexity visible, but also shapes and governs its ongoing evolution.

The image is the result of 36 hours of total exposure, combining broadband filters for stars and dust with narrowband filters for ionized gas. The integration captures M42 from its bright core to its faint outer filaments, delivering a visually striking view that also conveys the physical processes in which light, matter, and gravity interact to shape a true jewel of the sky.

Telescope: Askar 300
Camera: QHYCCD QHY268c
Filters: Optolong L-Ultimate, Optolong L-QEF
Mount: 10 Micron GM2000 hps II
Processing: PixInsight
Total exposure: 36h

Name: Antonio Ferretti and Attilio Bruzzone

Email: machalley@gmail.com