AAPOD2 Image Archives
NGC 253 The Silver Coin Galaxy
NGC 253, often called the Silver Coin Galaxy, is one of the brightest and dustiest spiral galaxies in the nearby universe. Seen here almost edge-on, its tilted disc reveals a turbulent star forming environment packed with glowing hydrogen regions, dense dust lanes, and clusters of young blue stars. The warm golden core shines through a veil of foreground dust where intense starburst activity is underway and driving powerful outflows that help shape the galaxy’s structure.
Located about 11 million light years away in Sculptor, NGC 253 anchors the Sculptor Group, one of the closest collections of galaxies to the Milky Way. Its proximity, brightness, and dramatic star forming regions have made it a favorite target for both astrophotographers and professional astronomers. Even in this deep image, the galaxy’s outer halo gently fades into the surrounding star field, hinting at its dynamic history of interactions and ongoing evolution.
The Trifid
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.
The Nova and Friends
Scientists and astrophotgraphers around the world were captivated by the awe-inspiring spectacle of a recent supernova in the magnificent spiral galaxy, M101, also known as the Pinwheel Galaxy. The brilliant explosion occurred in a distant corner of the galaxy, illuminating the cosmic stage with a dazzling display of celestial fireworks.
This cataclysmic event unleashed an incredible amount of energy, as the massive star met its dramatic end, releasing shockwaves and dispersing heavy elements into the vastness of space. Observations and measurements from various telescopes and instruments have provided invaluable insights into the dynamics and aftermath of this breathtaking supernova, contributing to our ever-expanding knowledge of stellar evolution and the extraordinary forces that shape our universe.
THE CRESCENT
34hr 31min total exposure time
96x300” Ha
119x300” Oiii
150x60” R
66x60” G
74x60” B
40x Darks360 Flats/Dark Flats06/13-15,06/17-18, 06/21-22, 07/22, 08/03, 08/13/2021Bortle 6/7Calgary, ABSetup#1 - HHOHO 711mm Focal Lengthwilliam optics GT102william optics Flat68iiiantlia filters HO 3nm, 2”antlia filters RGB, 2”sky watcher usa EQ6-R Prozwo asi ASI2600MM-Pro, unity, -10Czwo asi EAFzwo asi EFW 7x2, 2”zwo asi OAG68Mzwo asi ASI290MM-minizwoasi ASIAir Pro
APP, PI, PS, MLR
Copyright: Andrew Lesser
The Fishhead
Image Description and Details :
Located in the constellation Cassiopeia, this magnificent star forming region, surrounded by energized gas and dark dust lanes, is itself located alongside the larger Heart Nebula and is well known for its strong source of radio emissions.
We are star dust.
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This image was created with data captured across 7 nights from October to November using a 8” Ritchey–Chrétien reflector telescope and a cooled, monochrome camera with both narrowband and broadband filters.
The Hydrogen Alpha, Oxygen III and Sulphur II emission wavelengths are exceptionally strong in this region and I mapped the colour palette to try and make something truly unique! I belended in RGB stars for good measure. I hope you like it!
30hr 25.5mins total exposure time
120x 300” Sii
105x 300” Ha
117x 300” Oiii
84x 60” R
65x 60” G
82x 60” B
40x Darks
390 Flats/Dark Flats
10/30-31, 11/01-02, 11/05-07/2021
Bortle 6/7
Calgary, AB
|| Setup ||
1624mm Focal Length
TS Optics RC 8” Carbon Fiber @ f8
SHO 3nm, 2”
RGB, 2”
EQ6-R Pro
ASI2600MM-Pro, unity, -15C
EAF
EFW 7x2, 2”
OAG68M
ASI290MM-mini
ASIAir Pro
APP, PI, PS, MLR
2x binning
Copyright: Andrew Lesser