The Soaring Eagle of Apus

Image Title: The Eagle in Apus

Copyright: Franz Hofmann

Date image was taken: May 25, 2025

Location: Gemsbock Observatory, Rooisand Desert Ranch, Namibia

Data Acquisition Method: Personal Telescope Setup

Description and Details: A particularly striking section of the galactic cirrus is visible in this image, catalogued as TGU H1972, located in the southern constellation Apus (Bird of Paradise). The structure's distinctive shape evokes the image of a soaring eagle drifting through space. I first noticed this feature in an earlier wide-field image and it immediately sparked the idea of capturing it in greater detail using a longer focal length.

Planewave CDK14 with 0.8x Televue Reducer
10Micron HPS2000II
QHY268 with Baader Filter
L:R:G:B 65:36:36:35 x 600s

Name: Franz Hofmann