AAPOD2 Image Archives

2025, May 2025 Charles Lillo 2025, May 2025 Charles Lillo

LDN 1228 & LBN 552 – Dark Dust in Cepheus

Nestled within the vast Cepheus Molecular Cloud Complex, LDN 1228 and LBN 552 form a striking scene of interstellar dust and reflection nebulosity just 11 degrees from Polaris. These dense clouds of gas and dust are stellar nurseries, obscuring the background starlight while faintly reflecting the glow of nearby stars. Wisps of darker lanes wind across the frame, hinting at the dynamic structure and turbulence within the complex.

This two-panel mosaic was captured over four nights and comprises 17 hours of total exposure time. Each panel was imaged with 1.5 hours per channel for red, green, and blue, and 4 hours of luminance to reveal the fine structure in the dark nebulae. The careful composition and extended integration highlight the faint, dusty texture of this quiet yet complex region of the northern sky.

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2024, November 2024 Charles Lillo 2024, November 2024 Charles Lillo

The Space Waterfall (vdB14 and vdB15) in HaLRGB

Captured under the pristine Bortle 3 skies of Northern Spain, this striking image showcases the stunning vdB 14 and vdB 15, an enchanting reflection nebula pair often referred to as the Space Waterfall. The nebulae reside in the constellation Camelopardalis, a lesser-known yet fascinating region of the northern sky, located approximately 900 light-years away from Earth.

vdB 14 and vdB 15 are illuminated by nearby stars, which lend them their bluish hue. These stars reflect light off the surrounding interstellar dust, creating the glowing veils seen in this image. The nebulae are part of a vast molecular cloud complex that also contains darker patches of cosmic dust, seen as silhouetted regions against the surrounding star field.

This wide-field image combines data from hydrogen-alpha (Ha) and LRGB channels, expertly processed to bring out the rich interplay of light and shadow. The Ha signal highlights faint hydrogen emissions within the nebulosity, adding depth and contrast to the scene. The "waterfall" effect arises from the structured filaments of dust and gas, cascading through the field of view and giving the nebula its poetic nickname.

Located in a remote observatory in Northern Spain, this region's dark and stable skies provide the perfect setting for capturing such faint and intricate cosmic features. The image captures not only the beauty of vdB 14 and vdB 15 but also the elegance of the wider cosmic canvas, with a wealth of faint stars and distant galaxies completing the scene. A reminder of the endless wonders waiting to be explored in the quieter corners of our galaxy.

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2023, October 2023 Charles Lillo 2023, October 2023 Charles Lillo

Bat Out of Hell - Fire and Brimstone Edition AKA (The Eastern Veil)

The Eastern Veil Nebula, also known as NGC 6992, is a spectacular celestial spectacle that comes to life in this captivating narrowband image. Located in the constellation Cygnus, this intricate nebula is a remnant of a supernova explosion that occurred thousands of years ago, carving out a mesmerizing cosmic tapestry.

In this narrowband view, the image highlights the delicate filaments and tendrils of the Eastern Veil Nebula, which are rich in hydrogen-alpha, sulfur, and oxygen emissions. These specialized filters reveal the nebula's intricate structure and intricate details, with vibrant hues of red, green, and blue.

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